What is M-sand?
The Full form of M Sand is manufactured sand also known as artificial sand made from crushing of rock or granite for construction purposes in cement or concrete. it has different sizes which come from 0 mm to 4.7mm. M-sand is a substitute for natural river sand in its physical and mineralogical properties. basically M Sand is a better substitute for river sand as it is produced by machines in proper proportion with particle size for the construction purpose. if someone extracts river sand from the river it is harmful to the environment. it reduces the level of groundwater. which creates a problem for us in the future because river water gets dried up. Recent groundwater level was reduced due to removing of sand from river & trees are not able to get water in absence of sand in river water get evaporated. M-sand is manufactured sand made from the crushing of rock for construction purposes in cement or concrete. M-sand is different from the natural river sand in its physical and mineral properties. The M-Sand is Manufactured sand is also called crushed sand. Crushed sand has a cubicle and angular shape.
Properties of M-Sand:-
Impurities:- It does not contain any silt as it is manufactured by crushing rocks however it may contain some dust.
Moisture:- It does not contain any moisture.
Time-Saving:- When it is used in concrete the setting time of concrete is comparatively faster.
Water Absorption:- The water absorption of crushed sand is 2 to 4%.
Cost Saving:- The transportation cost becomes less because it is readily available.
Higher Strength:- M-Sand has a smooth surface and the strength of concrete made from M-Sand is higher than river sand.
Eco-Friendly:- Use of M-sand in comparison to river sand prevent harmful environmental effects like shortage of water and natural life.
Moisture:- It does not contain any moisture.
Time-Saving:- When it is used in concrete the setting time of concrete is comparatively faster.
Water Absorption:- The water absorption of crushed sand is 2 to 4%.
Cost Saving:- The transportation cost becomes less because it is readily available.
Higher Strength:- M-Sand has a smooth surface and the strength of concrete made from M-Sand is higher than river sand.
Eco-Friendly:- Use of M-sand in comparison to river sand prevent harmful environmental effects like shortage of water and natural life.
Sizes:-
1. M-Sand for Construction: M-sand is mainly used for concrete aims. Its granule thickness/sieve size is 0.1 to 4.7 mm.
2. P-Sand for Plastering: This P-Sand is used for Wall plastering and Tiling intent. Size 0.1 to 2.36 mm.
3. River-Sand:- River sand is one of the most used building materials as it is needed for the production of concrete and cement.
2. P-Sand for Plastering: This P-Sand is used for Wall plastering and Tiling intent. Size 0.1 to 2.36 mm.
3. River-Sand:- River sand is one of the most used building materials as it is needed for the production of concrete and cement.
There is no doubt about the prospects of manufactured / artificial sand in the days to come. There is a standard specification for fine aggregates (sand). It is divided into four gradations. Generally known as Zone I, Zone II, Zone III, and Zone IV. There is a sieve designation for each grade. Gradation is made as per use of the sand.
| Sr. No. | Artificial Sand / Manufactured Sand / Crushed Sand | Natural (River) Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Artificial Sand does not contain impurities like silt & silica etc. This sand does not contain any organic matter, hence, the strength of the structure remains the same. | This sand contains impurities like silt, silica, etc. It also contains inorganic impurities like pieces of wood, leaves, bones, etc which after some time duration gets decayed & weaken the strength of the structure. |
| 02 | Artificial Sand is made from only one type of stone, hence, the binding strength between the particles is good. | Natural Sand is made from different types of stones, hence, binding strength varies |
| 03 | Artificial Sand has a proper gradation of coarse & fine aggregates, hence, voids are filled completely. This reduces cement consumption. | Natural sand which is available today does not have fines below 600 microns in proper gradation. So, voids in the concrete are not filled properly & also increases cement consumption |
| 04 | Artificial Sand has better compressive strength as compared to river sand. | Natural Sand gives low compressive strength as compared to Artificial Sand. |
| 05 | As the voids are filled properly, the strength of the concrete is achieved. | As the voids are not filled properly, the strength of the concrete is not achieved. |
| 06 | Artificial Sand has constant fineness modules of aggregate, hence, no necessity for the change in the concrete mix design. | As every truck of Natural Sand has different fineness modules, every time concrete mix design has to be changed. |
| 07 | Artificial Sand can be produced in ample quantity, hence, it is cheaper as compared to Natural Sand. | Natural Sand is available in less quantity, hence, it is costlier than Artificial Sand. |
| 08 | Artificial Sand is manufactured from the wastage product (i.e. 6 mm / 12 mm material) of crushers, hence, it is not much harmful to nature. | Because of sand dragging, river beds had become deep. It is harmful to nature. |
| 09 | Artificial Sand is best as per Vastushastra, as it does not contain any pieces of bones, woods, etc. | Natural Sand contains pieces of bones, woods, etc, hence, it is not suitable as per Vastushastra. |
CHARACTERISTICS OF M-SAND IN MORTARS AND MASONRY:
Summary of Test Results for Mortars Characteristics:
The results of the tests on mortars and masonry using River Sand and M-Sand as fine aggregate can be summarized as follows:
- Grading Limits of M-Sand falls within the Grading Zone-II Sand, grading limits specified by IS 383 Code.
- Shapes of the M-Sand particles resemble the shape of River Sand particles.
- Bulk Density and Specific Gravity of M-Sand are similar to those of River Sand.
- Mortars with M-Sand show better workability and require a lower water-cement ratio to achieve a specific flow value when compared to mortars with River Sand.
- M-Sand mortars show higher water retentivity values.
- The compressive strength of mortar with M-Sand is higher than that of the mortar with River Sand for mortar flow in the range of 85-100%.
- Flexure bond strength of masonry using M-Sand mortar is significantly higher when compared with the mortar using River Sand.
- M-Sand mortar shows higher compressive strength and modulus for masonry when compared with the values for masonry using River Sand.
Why choose M-Sand?
If we keep extracting river sand from the riverbank is harmful to the environment. It lessens the groundwater level & river water gets dried up. Water cycle level gets reduced due to extracting of sand from the river and the roots of the tree may not be able to get the water in the absence of sand in river water get evaporated due to direct sunlight rays.
M-Sand has higher concrete strength in comparison to river sand used for concreting. The minimum permissible silt content is 3%. And more than 3% is harmful to the concrete durability. It causes less destruction to the environment as compared to river sand. M-Sand is free from silt and clay particles which is better for the ability of a surface to resist being worn away by rubbing or friction higher unit weight and lower permeability. M-Sand is less deleterious to the environment, as it reduces sand mining from the river banks. It has perfect grading & cubicle shape of M-Sand gives high strength and great stability. M-Sand is more cost-saving than river sand due to low transportation cost & fixture availability.
It is well furnished in the required field of construction.it does not contain an organic & soluble compound that affects cement arrangement time. It is cheaper than river sand. It is an eco-friendly material.
M-Sand is manufactured in a controlled environment, the quality control in Manufactured Sand is better than that of River Sand. It gives more strength and excellent bonding in cement.
