Sand is one of the most important elements used in the construction industry. An increasing global population and rapid urbanization have boosted the demand for large-scale construction activities. This has led to the creation of an increased demand for sand. Riverbeds are known to be a major source of natural sand. However, the expanded infrastructural demand, combined with environmental degradation, has led to the exhaustion and scarcity of natural sand. The rate of demand for construction aggregates has surpassed the rate of availability of naturally occurring river sand.
Manufactured sand or M-sand has emerged as a sustainable alternative to meet the huge demands of the construction industry, especially for the production of concrete and mortar mix. M-sand is artificial sand produced by crushing hard stones like rock or granite, which creates small precisely shaped particles that are further crushed, washed and finely graded, to be used as construction aggregate/ concrete sand. M-sand is both, affordable and ecological.
Advantages of M-sand
Greater Durability: M-sand has a balanced ratio of physical and chemical properties that can withstand any harsh environmental and climatic conditions. It has an enhanced durability and cohesiveness, improved solidness and greater strength.
Better Workability: Unlike natural sand and crusher dust, manufactured sand is finely graded with consistency and fineness. It is free from mud and other residues and has a much more dense pressing quality than natural sand. This lends M-sand much better workability for construction purposes.
Higher Strength: M-sand is artificial sand that has overcome imperfections usually found in cement like bleeding, segregation, nectar combing, voids and capillary. The particles are cubicle shaped that lends it a rough texture and aids to the better bonding of the mortar in concrete. The strength properties are, therefore, superior allowing for greater sturdiness to the concrete.
Environment-friendly: Substituting river sand with M-sand will help to curtail the damage that is done to the environment. The use of M-sand will help avoid disasters like erosion of the riverbed, groundwater depletion, threat to natural life, etc.
Economical: Another reason for considering M-sand as an alternative to natural sand is its active availability since it is produced in machines. There is no wastage involved. M-sand can be produced close to the construction site that also allows bringing down the transportation cost without compromising the supply of the required quantities.
Doctorsand is concerned about the diminishing natural source of sand and is invested in making sustainable sources of sand available to meet the different requirements of the construction industry. Ecological and economical alternatives to river sand will help make a positive impact on the natural ecosystem.
