M Sand vs River Sand Comparison

M Sand (Manufactured Sand) River Sand
Manufactured in factory. Naturally available on river banks.
Angular and has rougher texture. Angular aggregates demands more water. Water demand can be compensated with cement content. Smoother texture with better shape. Demands less water.
Moisture is available only in water washed M Sand. Moisture is trapped in between the particles which is good for concrete purposes.
Higher concrete strength compared to river sand used for concreting. Lesser concrete concrete compared to M Sand
Zero silt Minimum permissible silt content is 3%. Anything more than 3% is harmful to the concrete durability. We can expect 5 – 20% slit content in medium quality river sand.
Since it is artificially manufactured. 1 – 6% of minimum over sized materials can be expected. Like pebble stones.
Marine Products 0% 1 – 2% like sea shells, tree barks etc.,
Though M Sand uses natural coarse aggregates to form, it causes less damage to environment as compared to river sand. Harmful to environment. Eco imbalances, reduce ground water level and rivers water gets dried up.
Probability of adulteration is less. High probability of adulteration since filtered sand (a type of pre-washed sand which contains high silt contents) are mixed together. As a rule, supply shortage always brings adulterer products to the market.
Highly recommended for RCC purposes and brick/ block works. Recommended for RCC, plastering and brick/ block work.
Better quality control since manufactured in a controlled environment. No control over quality since it is naturally occurring. Same river bed sand can have differences in silt contents.

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