Here’s A Brief Explanation About Manufactured Sand

Sand is in extremely high demand as a result of growing urbanization and extensive building. Sand scarcity, however, is a problem that many nations face, including India. M sand, or manufactured sand, has arisen as a sustainable alternative for natural sand, which is found in riverbeds and coastal regions, but is unable to satisfy the enormous demand and also the environmental effect created by sand extraction from natural sources. 

 

In India, artificial sand is now used in place of river sand in the construction industry. Due to M sand's low cost and environmental friendliness, several real estate developers in significant cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Pune have switched to using it. 

 

M sand is a type of synthetic sand that is created by crushing large, hard stones—most often boulders or granite—into fine particles, which are then washed and finely graded. It is frequently used in construction as a river sand alternative, mostly in the creation of concrete and mortar mix. 

 

Three steps make up the M sand manufacturing process:

1.    First, vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers are used to break stones of various sizes into aggregates.

 

2.    The aggregates are then put into a Rotopactor to be crushed into sand at the correct grain size.

 

3.    Finally, screening is done to get rid of dust particles, and sand washing is done to get rid of tiny particles. 

 

River Sand vs. Manufactured Sand:

When compared to river sand, M sand has significantly different physical and mineralogical characteristics. The basic characteristics of artificial sand are as follows:

•    This synthetic sand has an angular or cube-like form.

 

•    Its texture is harsh. As a result, it is chosen for producing concrete.

 

•    The capacity of artificial sand to absorb water ranges from 2% to 4%.

 

•    There are no large particles because it was manufactured intentionally.

 

•    Compared to river sand, crushed sand has less contaminants.

 

•    A cubic centimeter of the bulk has a density of 1.75 gm.

 

•    Depending on the source rock, the specific gravity of produced sand ranges from 2.5 to 2.9.

 

•    Fines smaller than 75 microns are permitted up to 15%.

 

•    Zone-II has a regulated gradient that is suitable for concrete. 

 

•    Sand that has been manufactured has the requisite fines gradation, form, smooth texture, and consistency. The concrete structure is strengthened by these characteristics.

 

•    Sand aids in producing higher-quality concrete since it has fewer impurities like dust, clay, and other contaminants. Additionally, the use of produced sand lessens the prevalence of capillarity, segregation, bleeding, honeycombing, and other building flaws in concrete.

 

•    Because it is made from a particular type of granite, the sand has the ideal physical and chemical characteristics for concrete construction. Manufactured sand has certain qualities that make it possible for constructions to survive extreme weather and stop the corrosion of reinforcement steel.

•    Concrete made with manufactured sand is workable because it needs less water to mix with the cement. The uniformity of the concrete is improved, the strength is increased, and mixing and placing the concrete are easier, increasing production.

 

•    There is no waste because there are no pollutants. Additionally, the price of transporting M sand is 30% to 50% less expensive than that of transporting river sand.

 

•    By using synthetic sand, it is no longer necessary to dredge riverbeds to extract river sand, which can have detrimental environmental effects such as a threat to water depletion and an effect on the safety of dams and bridges. 

 

•    Using artificial sand, masonry strength can be increased by about 30%.

 

•    According to some research, M sand concrete has flexural and compressive strengths that are between 6% and 9% and 12% to 15% greater, respectively, than river sand of the same grade.

 

•    It may require more water and cement to produce the flaky or angular particles that result from poor crushing, rendering it unsuitable for creating concrete.

 

•    Due to the greater prices compared to river sand, there may not be an appropriate set up for crushers in some regions of the country, such as West Bengal.

 

•    High-grade pumpable concrete used in high-rise projects has a larger cement need than river sand, which may not be cost-effective.

 

The following categories apply to different types of manufactured sand:

Concrete is made with this kind of M sand. The sieve size or granule thickness is 150 microns, or 4.75 mm. 

 

This kind of sand is used for wall and floor plastering. The sieve size is 150 microns, or 2.36 mm, for the granule thickness. It is in compliance with IS Code 1542: 1992.

 

This kind of sand is mostly used for laying brick or blocks or working with masonry. The sieve size or granule thickness is 150 microns, or 3.55 mm. 

 

Recent Update:

The Tamil Nadu government intends to create a new artificial sand manufacturing and sales strategy. The M-sand policy's final draught was delivered to the government in January 2021 by the state's Public Works Department. The proposed strategy will encourage the use of artificial sand as a substitute for natural sand in building. Manufacturers will be required to get permissions for the caliber of material being used once the policy goes into force. Additionally, it will aid in the regulation of the industry and help prevent adulteration and norm violations.

 

Plastering is referred to as P sand. Crushed sand, also known as manufactured fine aggregate, is mostly used for rendering and plastering. It helps the plasters have a smooth finish. P sand is regarded as superior to M sand and has various uses. M sand, on the other hand, is used in the mortar or concrete mix. M sand has a size range of 0 to 4.75 mm, while P sand has a size range of 0 to 2.36 mm.