M Sand, short for Manufactured Sand, is a viable alternative to river sand in construction activities. Also known as crushed sand or manufactured fine aggregate, it offers a sustainable solution for various building needs.
Manufacturing Procedure:
This resource is crafted by crushing rocks, quarry stones, or larger aggregate pieces into sand-sized particles. This process occurs in factories or quarries, resulting in sand with a cubical and angular shape, typically measuring less than 4.75 mm in size.
Environmental Considerations:
Harvesting river sand negatively impacts the environment by depleting groundwater levels and causing river water depletion. This has adverse effects on the ecosystem. In contrast, crushed sand provides an eco-friendly alternative, minimizing environmental harm.
Versatile Construction Usage:
Crushed sand finds application in various construction tasks, excluding plaster, waterproofing, and stone bedding. A recommended mix for hardscape work involves a blend of 50% M sand and 50% river sand for optimal results.
Physical Characteristics:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cubicle and angular with a rough texture |
| Silt Content | Generally free of silt, but may contain some dust |
| Moisture | Dry, with no inherent moisture |
| Setting Time | Faster setting time in concrete applications |
| Strength | Higher compressive and flexural strength compared to natural sand |
| Permeability | Poor permeability in concrete applications |
| Oversized Materials | Absence of oversized materials due to artificial manufacturing |
| Water Absorption | 2 to 4% water absorption |
| Slump | Lower slump compared to river sand |
| Marine Products | Completely free of marine products |
Density and Specific Gravity:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Bulk Density | 1.75 gm/cm³ |
| Specific Gravity | Ranges from 2.5 to 2.9, dependent on parent rock |
| Bulkage Correction | Not required during mix design for concrete usage |
| Old Surface Moisture | Up to 10% surface moisture retention |
Economic and Environmental Benefits:
Flexibility : Adaptable to various sizes and shapes in construction.
Differential Settlement Prevention : Aids in preventing uneven settling.
Resource Efficiency : Requires less excavation and concrete, reducing costs.
Simplified Construction Process : Streamlined construction process, minimizing labor and time.
Cost-Effective : Economical compared to traditional foundations.
Unsuitable for Basements : Inapplicable for basement construction.
Hill and Slope Areas : Challenging in hilly or sloped terrains, demanding extensive excavation.
In conclusion, understanding M Sand involves recognizing its production process, properties, and the balance it strikes between economic feasibility and environmental responsibility. As a construction resource, it addresses concerns related to river sand extraction and provides a viable, sustainable alternative for diverse building applications.
