BANGALORE Aug 9: M-sand or manufactured sand is the option. As the natural sand is not replenished at the rate it is being used, the government has begun to promote manufactured sand. Experts vouch that manufactured sand is not only a viable alternative to natural sand, but is superior in many ways.
A project sponsored by the department of mines and geology and conducted by Prof B V Venkatarama Reddy of the IISc has revealed that the characteristics of mortars and concrete using M-sand as fine aggregate are superior when compared to the natural sand as fine aggregate.
In fact, the 2011 sand policy encourages establishment of manufactured sand units by giving top priority while allotting quarries.
Manufactured sand is the alternative. The ready-mix concrete manufacturers are already using manufactured sand. However, the awareness among the general masses is low,” said Dr Aswath MU, Professor at the Bangalore Institute of Technology.
Compared to the natural sand, manufactured sand is cheaper. Prof Aswath says manufactured sand costs around Rs 450-Rs 600 per tonne, while the natural sand costs Rs 750-Rs 1200 per tonne.
Natural sand vs manufactured sand:
The appropriate quality of rock suitable for construction can be used for manufactured sand; there is no clay content; scientifically graded to comply BIS specifications; customizing the different grades depending upon the need of construction; ensures consistent quality throughout the construction cycle.
