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Introduction
M sand
River sand
Differences between M sand and river sand

Introduction

M sand is the best alternative to river sand. M sand is more economical, eco-friendly and enhances concrete than river sand.

Sand is an important constituent of concrete and construction itself. Particles that are less than 4.75 mm in size are considered sand. These are granular materials that are found in riverbeds, beaches and deserts. Two major types of sand are used for construction work, M sand and river sand. They are used for almost all construction work but differ in factors like quality, density, workability and strength.

M sand

M sand is also known as manufactured sand or crushed sand. It is made in factories by crushing bigger pieces of rocks, quarry stones and larger size of aggregates into smaller sizes of sand particles. M sand is rough and angular and is thus better for concrete. Cubical-shaped granite stones are washed and graded with consistency to be used as a substitute for river sand. Its biggest advantage is that it is highly cohesive and compressive. M sand can be used for RCC work, brickwork and blockwork. It cannot be used for waterproofing or plasterwork.

River sand

River sand is naturally available and can be extracted from river beds or riverbanks. It is rounded and has a smooth surface. It can be used for RCC work, brickwork, blockwork and plastering. The excessive usage of river sand for construction work has led to the depletion in the amount of sand available in river beds and banks.

Differences between M sand and river sand

Properties	M sand	River sand
Water requirement	Demands more water, which can be compensated with the cement content.	Water demand is lesser.
Moisture content	Only water-washed M sand contains moisture.	Moisture is present between the particles
Wastage	There will be no wastage as the sand is already treated and the size of the particles is less than 4.75 mm, and it can easily pass through the sieve.	Wastage will be there as it is directly extracted from natural sources and the size of some particles may be greater than 4.75 mm.
Oversized materials	Zero oversized particles are present.	1% to 6% of oversized materials may be present.
Concrete strength	The compressive and flexural strength is higher as compared to river sand provided that the sand is well graded.	Its strength is lower than M sand.
Silt content	Zero silt is present.	Silt might be present due to soil erosion in its catchment area, and it needs cleaning. Around 5-20% silt content might be present.
Dry density	Its dry density is 1.75 kg/m³.	Its dry density is 1.44 kg/m³.
Specific gravity	M sand specific gravity is approximately 2.73 and it depends on the parent rock.	River sand's specific gravity is approximately 2.65 and it depends on the rock in the catchment area.
Eco-friendly	It causes less damage to the environment when compared to over exploitation of river sand	It is harmful to the environment as it imbalances the ecosystem and reduces the groundwater level.
Particles passing 75 microns	Up to 15%.	Up to 3%.
Adulteration	Less probability of adulteration.	More Probability of adulteration
Marine products	No marine products are present.	1-2% of marine products like shells and weeds are present.
Quality	Better quality as it is produced in a controlled environment in factories.	No control over quality.

With the growing infrastructure, there has been an increase and the usage of sand for construction, and this has led to the depletion of the amount of natural sand present in the environment. This shortage has led to the creation of alternatives like M sand to cater to the growing needs of the construction industry. Being eco-friendly and cheaper, M sand is a perfect alternative to River sand.

Whether you’re building a home or commercial property, we’ve got the right Bulk Materials for your project.

Table of Contents

Introduction

M sand

River sand

Differences between M sand and river sand