Difference Between M Sand and River sand

M Sand is the only alternative to river sand, it has higher concrete strength compared to river sand used for concreting, while this M sand uses natural coarse aggregates to form, it causes less damage to the environment as compared to river sand, M sand also has better quality control since manufactured in a controlled environment.

Manufactured sand is obtained by crushing stone (manufactured sand – quarry dust or stone), while river sand is available naturally.

M Sand and River sand:

M Sand or Crushed sand:

The M sand is artificial and manufactured sand produced by crushing quarry and granite rock stones in the crusher mill to achieve the desired shape.

To achieve the required sizes, these hard granite rock deposits are crushed and this material is separated into different fractions to suit different construction sites.

The chemical characteristics and strengths of manufactured sand are similar to those of river sand.

River sand has about 0.2 percent and 1.6 percent water absorption as compared to 0.45 percent and 1.15 percent, respectively.

This sand substitute of river sand/natural sand.

River Sand:

River sand is types of sand found naturally in river basins, beaches, and desert areas, which are collected naturally from river banks and basins for various purposes in the construction process.

The river sand is formed by gradual weathering and dissolution of various types of rocks such as granite rocks, basalt rock, igneous rocks, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

The river sand is usually a mixture of metamorphic, sedimentary rocks and igneous rocks.

Difference between M Sand and River sand:

M sand	River sand
The source of M sand is query and factory.	River sand is available naturally usually excavated from the river bed or along the river bank.
There is no dissipation in M ​​sand as the sand is already saved to the required size which is below 4.75 mm.	In case of river sand, wastage is higher than in crushed sand.
The setting time of concrete is comparatively fast.	River sand is used in concrete and setting times of concrete are normal.
It has a cubical and angular shape, its texture is rough.	River sand is circular in shape and has a smooth surface.
It does not contain silt.	The river sand has silt because the river water causes soil erosion in its catchment area and needs to be washed on site.
It has little or no moisture.	In river sand, moisture is often present in the course of the particle and it affects the concrete mix design and quality of the concrete.
High compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete.	The compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete made from natural sand is less than that of M sand.
Concrete has less workability with M sand than river sand.	The workability of concrete constructed with river sand is higher than that constructed with M sand.
Concrete with M sand has much worse permeability than river sand.	When river sand is used in concrete, the permeability of concrete is lower than river sand.
It has 2 to 4% more water absorption.	The water absorption of river sand is less than 1.5 to 3%.
Concrete with M sand has less deceleration than river sand.	The slope of river sand is higher than that of crushed sand.
There are no marine products involved.	River sand can contain marine products such as grass, algae, mud lumps, bones, shells, mica that are harmful to the properties of concrete.
The bulk density is 1.75 g / cm3.	The bulk density of river sand is 1.4 g / cm3.
Specific gravity is 2.5 to 2.9 and it depends on the original rock.	The specific gravity of river sand is 2.3 to 2.7 and depends on the rock in the catchment area.
Concrete with M sand does not require bulk correction during the mix design.	River sand in concrete in bulk age correction required during mixed design.
Its capacity for old surface moisture is up to 10%.	The rivers have the ability to absorb the sand surface moisture up to 7%.
It has less adulteration.	There is a high probability of adulteration of the river sand due to acute shortage.
Environmental damage is minimal compared to river sand.	It causes more harm to the environment.
The quality is better than natural sand as it is manufactured in a controlled environment.	The quality of natural sand varies.
It can be produced in an area close to the construction site.	In case of river sand, this facility is not available.
This RCC task is highly recommended for brickwork and block tasks.	River sand is recommended for RCC plastering brickwork and block work.
It is cheaper than river sand.	It is more expensive than M Sand.

Also read: Dressing of Stones & Soil Classification

Conclusion:

M sand is safer to use instead of river sand.

Since manufacturing is done in a controlled environment, quality control in manufactured sand is better than in river sand.