M-Sand ComparisonThe natural river sand was the cheapest resources of sand. However the excessive mining of rive bed to meet the increasing demand for sand in construction industry has lead to the ecological imbalance in the state. Now the sand available in the riverbed is very coarse and contains very high percentage of silt and clay. The silt and the clay presence in the sand reduce the strength of the concrete and holds dampness. The natural river sand is the product of sedimentation. mica, coal, fossils and other organic impurities are present in the river sand above certain percentage which make the sand useless for concrete work.

Acute shortage and high price for river sand has lead to the adulteration of sand with salty sea sand which has raised serious concern among builders.

Comparison between M-Sand and Crusher Dust
SL. NO. M-SAND CRUSHER DUST
01. Colour Grey Grey
02. Particle Shape Cubically Shaped Flaky
03. Product Manufactured as per IS, BS, ASTM Standards Elongated (Shapeless)
a) It is fractured dust of jaw crusher
b) A waste product in production process of stone crusher
04. Manufacturing Process Internation technology controlled manufacturing process through imported machines No controlled manufacturing process as it is the by-product of stone crusher
05. Gradation As per IS 383 - 1970
Zone-II		 Does not adhere to IS 383 - 1970 or any other standards
06. Suitability for concreting Recommended for usage in concrete & masonry works worldwide by the concrete technologists.
Confirms international standards		 Not recommended for use in concrete or masonry works. Does not have quality.

High Strength
The superior shape, proper gradation of fines, smooth surface texture and consistency in production parameter of chemically stable sands provide greater durability and higher strength to concrete by overcoming  the deficiencies like segregation, bleeding, honey combing, voids and capillary.

Greater workability
The crusher dust is flaky and angular in shape which is troublesome in working. There is no plasticity in the mortar which makes yet difficult for the mason to work. Where as the cubical shape with grounded edge and superior gradation gives good plasticity to mortar providing excellent workability.
 

SIEVE ANALYSIS River Sand Vs M-Sand
IS SIEVE RIVER SAND
% Age Passing		 M-SAND
% Age Passing		 % Age passing for single sized aggregates of Normal Sand (IS 383 - 1970) Zone II
4.75 mm 99.25 99.75 90 to 100
2.36 mm 93.50 78.25 75 to 100
1.18 mm 48.00 52.00 55 to 90
600 Microns 21.00 38.00 35 to 59
300 Microns 04.00 21.00 08 to 30
150 Microns 0.05 5.00 0 to 10

Comparison of Impurities - River Sand Vs M-Sand
  RIVER SAND M-SAND
Marine Products 2 - 4 % Nil
Oversized Materials 6 - 10 % Nil
Clay & Silt 5 - 20 % Nil

Graph