Buying Guide for Manufactured Sand or M-Sand

Manufactured Sand / M-Sand

Sand is a vital ingredient for making concrete mortar. The in-discriminating mining of sand from river beds is threatening the environment which necessitates an alternative to river sand. Manufactured sand or M-Sand, as it is popularly known, is an effective, Eco-friendly, and economical alternative to river sand. Due to its ready availability and reliable strength, M-Sand has become popular for use in construction. Thereby to save the topsoil of the locality, use M-Sand for construction.

Manufacturing process:

The process consists of 3 stages

• a) Crushing: Hard stones are crushed in a Vertical Shaft Impact crusher where cubical and angular fine aggregate particles are produced.
• b) Screening: The process of screening helps in the proper grading of the material to make it similar to river sand.
• c) Washing: The microfine particles are removed by washing. This M-Sand is vastly different from that of crusher dust. Additionally, in the washing process, both fine aggregates for concrete and plaster sand can be generated.

Comparison of River Sand and M-Sand

M-Sand of different grades is preferred for different types of work in the construction of a building:

M-Sand for concreting

a) Used as a fine aggregate: This sand is classified under Zone II, has a granule thickness of 150 microns above 4.75 mm, suitable for concrete, wall masonry work, block work much more.

Price: Ranging from Rs. 850 - Rs. 1,100 /per ton (1 ton = 21.5 CFT)

b) Used as an aggregate: Granule thickness of 8 mm - 13 mm, and

13 mm - 21 mm is suitable only for concrete.

Price: Ranging from Rs. 650 - Rs. 750 /per ton (1 ton = 23 CFT)

M-Sand for plastering

Used as a fine aggregate: This sand is classified under Zone III, has a granule thickness of 150 microns above 2.38 mm, is suitable for brickworks, outer inner plastering purposes, ceiling plastering, and much more.

Price: Ranging from Rs. 1,400 - Rs. 1,650 /per t