M Sand
M-Sand (Manufactured Sand)
M-Sand, or Manufactured Sand, is an alternative to natural river sand made by crushing hard stones in controlled environments. It is widely used in construction projects due to its consistent quality and environmental benefits.
Properties of M-Sand:
Shape:
- Angular and cubical, ensuring better bonding in concrete.
- Free from oversized particles, unlike river sand.
Size:
- Particle size less than 4.75mm.
- Graded as per standards for fine aggregates.
Material Quality:
- Free from silt, clay, organic matter, and impurities.
- Processed to achieve consistent gradation and shape.
Color:
- Typically grey or white, depending on the stone source.
Physical Properties:
|
Property
|
Typical Range
|
|---|---|
|
Bulk Density
|
1.75–1.95 g/cm³
|
|
Specific Gravity
|
2.5–2.9
|
|
Water Absorption
|
Less than 2%
|
|
Fineness Modulus
|
2.6–3.0
|
|
Zone Classification
|
Zones II & III (IS 383)
|
Advantages of M-Sand:
- Consistency:
- Uniform size and shape compared to natural sand.
- Environmental Friendly:
- Reduces riverbed degradation and protects natural ecosystems.
- Cost-Effective:
- Lower transportation costs and higher availability.
- Workability:
- Improved concrete strength and reduced segregation.
- Waste Reduction:
- Utilizes stone crushing by-products effectively.
Applications:
- Concrete Production:
- Ideal for high-strength concrete mixes.
- Plastering:
- Finer M-Sand variants are used for smooth plastering.
- Mortar:
- Suitable for masonry and flooring works.
- Pavements:
- Used in road construction and paving blocks.