M Sand Vs River Sand

Process

Manufactured in a factory.

Naturally available on river banks.

Shape

Angular and has a rougher texture. Angular aggregates demand more water. Water demand can be compensated with cement content.

Smoother texture with better shape. Demands less water.

Moisture Content

Moisture is available only in water washed M Sand.

Moisture is trapped in between the particles which are good for concrete purposes.

Concrete Strength

Higher concrete strength compared to river sand used for concreting.

Lesser concrete compared to M Sand

Silt Content

Zero silt

The minimum permissible silt content is 3%. Anything more than 3% is harmful to concrete durability. We can expect 5 - 20% slit content in medium-quality river sand.

Over-Sized Materials

0%. Since it is artificially manufactured.

1 - 6% of minimum oversized materials can be expected. Like pebble stones.

Marine Products

0%

1 - 2% like seashells, tree barks, etc

Eco-Friendly

Though M Sand uses natural coarse aggregates to form, it causes less damage to the environment as compared to river sand.

Harmful to the environment. Eco imbalances, reduce groundwater level and rivers water gets dried up.

Price

M Sand price ranges from Rs.35 - Rs.45 per cubic feet in Bangalore.

River sand price ranges from Rs 60 - 80 per cubic feet in Bangalore.

Adulteration

The probability of adulteration is less.

High probability of adulteration since filtered sand (a type of pre-washed sand that contains high silt contents) is mixed together.

Applications

Highly recommended for RCC purposes and brick/ block works.

Recommended for RCC, plastering, and brick/ blockwork.

Quality

Better quality control since manufactured in a controlled environment.

No control over quality since it is naturally occurring. Same river bed sand can have differences in silt contents.

Particle passing 75 micron

Up to 15% (IS: 383 - 1970)

Up to 3% (IS:383 - 1970)