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Use of Different Gradation of M Sand for Making M30 Grade of Concrete

- A Review

Swapneel Satone1, Prajwal Meshram2, Likhit Ganvir3, Shreyash Nagdeote4, Shweta Bhurle5 , Pranjali Gurnule6

1Head, Department of Civil Engineering, KDK College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 23456UG student, Department of Civil Engineering, KDK College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India ***

Abstract - Due to the rapid depletion of natural river sand resources as well as the emergence of environmental issues, there is now a pressing need to find sustainable alternative fine aggregates for use in concrete mixing. This literature review highlights the current research regarding the use of artificial or manufactured sand (M-sand) as either partial or complete replacement for natural river sand in various types ofconcretesuchasordinary(M25, M30), self-compactingand high-strength concretes (M60, M100). Although the angular shape, rough texture, and higher amount of micro-fines present in M-sand usually result in greater water requirements and poorer workability, this problem can be adequately resolved by adopting an efficient mix design method as well as using chemical water reducers. M-sand shows its mechanical superiority over natural sand through increased compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths of concrete mixtures regardless of the ratio used as a natural sand replacement ranging between 20% and 100%. In addition, due to the better grading of M-sand, concrete mixes with higher mechanical properties show greater durability in terms of chemical resistance, improved permeability and chloride resistance to harsh environments. However, several researchers suggest that further investigations should be performed on this issue.

Key Words: M-Sand, Gradation, M30 Concrete, Compressive Strength, Fine Aggregate

1. INTRODUCTION

Amongalltheconstructionmaterials,concretecanbe considered the most commonly used one, and the qualityofconcreteisdirectlyrelatedtotheproperties of aggregates used in it. Fine aggregate, usually provided in the form of natural river sand, is responsible for filling the voids among coarse aggregatesandmakingthemixtureofconcretemore workable.However,sincetheintensiveexploitationof naturalriverbedsfortheextractionofsandhasledto major environmental problems, sand mining was restrictedheavilybythegovernments,whichresulted inhighercostsandnecessityoffindingothermaterials. M-sand, which is produced through crushing hard granite or rock pieces into particles within the size range of 150 microns to 4.75 mm, is considered an

effectivereplacementforriversand.Althoughthelack oforganiccontaminationandhighstrengthresulting fromtheangularshapesandroughsurfaceofparticles canbeconsideredbenefitsofM-sandusage,thesevery physical properties can cause additional water consumptionanddecreasedworkabilityofthemixture. Therefore, proper gradation of particles and their managementiscrucialforthedevelopmentofefficient mixdesign.ThestudyontheM30gradeofconcreteis essential as this type of concrete is very common in constructingimportantstructuralcomponentssuchas columns and beams. The purpose of this research paper,titled"UseofDifferentGradationofM-Sandfor Making M30 Grade of Concrete," is to conduct an analysisonhowdifferentgradationsofM-sandaffect thefreshandhardenedpropertiesofM30concretein ordertoachievetotalreplacementofriversand.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Abhishek Saxena et al. (2024) investigated the impactofutilizingM-sandinplaceofnaturalsandin SCCwithM25andM30grades.Theanalysisinvolved testingthecompressivestrengthatvariouscuringages (3,14,and28days).Theresultsdemonstratedthatan increase in the percentage of M-sand in the mix contributestosignificantimprovementincompressive strength. The maximum compressive strength is attained when the replacements levels are 50% and 100%, indicating that the use of M-sand in SCC results.[1]

2.2 E. H. Singh et al. (2023) studiedtheutilizationof M-sandandquarrydustintotalreplacementofnatural sandinconcrete.Theinvestigationrevealedthat100% replacementofnaturalsandbyM-sandinconcreteis possible. This replacement can yield equal or higher levelsofcompressivestrength.Inaddition,theauthors confirmedthattheutilizationofM-sandinconcreteis economicallyefficientandisidealforconstructionof projects like highways. However, workability issues mustbeconsidered.[2]

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2.3 Ashish Mathur et al. (2023) analyzed the mechanicalpropertiesanddurabilitycharacteristicsof M-sandconcretethroughreplacementofnaturalsand at0%to100%levelsinM30gradeconcrete.According to their findings, compressive, tensile and flexural strengthshavebeenfoundtoincreasewithincreasein percentage of M-sand used. Further, the durability characteristics like permeability, acid resistance and sulphate resistance were found to be considerably improvedduetodecreaseinvoidsanddenseconcrete structure.Fromtheirfindings,itwasclearthatM-sand has greatly improved the strength and durability propertiesofconcrete.[3]

2.4 Nikit Gaikwad et al. (2023) analyzed the influence of the manufacture sand (M-sand) in structural concrete as an alternative to natural river sand. The findings indicate that approximately 60% substitutionofnaturalsandwithM-sandinconcrete results into workability and optimum compressive strength. In addition, although there is a decline in workabilitywithincreaseinreplacementpercentage, good control of the particles in terms of grading significantlyimprovesthefreshpropertiesofconcrete mixes. Based on the findings, it was evident that concreteexhibitedhighcompressivestrengthat60% replacementlevel,henceM-sandisagoodalternative tonaturalriversand.[4]

2.5 D. Naresh et al. (2023) performed an experimentalstudytodeterminetheimpactofpartial substitution of natural river sand by M-sand in M30 grade concrete. The levels of fine aggregate substitutiontestedinthisexperimentinclude0%,5%, 10%,15%,20%,and25%.Theresultsdemonstrated thateventhoughworkabilityorslumpvaluedecreased linearlywithanincreaseinM-sandcontent,significant improvementinmechanicalstrengthoccurreduptoa certain point. The 28-day compressive strength and splittensilestrengthwerebothfoundtoincreaseupto 20% M-sand substitution, and beyond this point, it startedtodecreasewhenthesubstitutionpercentage reached 25%. It was concluded that the optimal amountofM-sandsubstitutionis20%,whichproduces maximumstructuralstrengthandisaneconomicand eco-friendlysolution.[5]

2.6 Deep Tripathi et al. (2022) examined the properties of fresh and hardened self-compacting concrete(SCC),whichinvolvedtheuseofdualmineral admixtures (fly ash and metakaolin) in combination withthepartialsubstitutionofnaturalfineaggregates with manufacturedsand(M-sand). It was foundthat

even though there was a minor reduction in the flowabilityofSCCwithanincreaseinthepercentageof M-sandusedinthemixdesign, there was aconstant improvement in mechanical properties. More specifically, in case of M25 grade SCC, the mix with optimum dual admixtures and M-sand showed an increaseof2%to12%incompressivestrength,9%to 18% in split tensile strength, and 13% to 21% in flexural strength when compared to the mix having admixturesandnaturalsand.[6]

2.7 T. Mounika and Ghanta Latha Bhuvaneswari (2021) examined the effect of partially replacing naturalsandwithM-sandontheworkability,strength, and durability of M25 and M30 grades of concrete through experiments involving M-sand percentages ranging from 0% to 50%. It was found that the workabilityofconcrete,evaluatedthroughslumptest and compaction factor test, decreased as the percentage of M-sand increased. Nevertheless, there was a significant improvement in mechanical properties until a certain optimum point, where compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexuralstrengthattainedtheirhighestvaluesat30% M-sand replacement before decreasing with higher replacements.Moreover,evaluationofdurabilityunder acidattack,alkalineattack,andsulphateattackshowed that with an increase in percentage of M-sand replacement,therewasanincreaseinweightlossand strength loss, but concrete exhibited satisfactory durability until 30% of M-sand replacement. The authorssuggestedthatpartialreplacementofnatural sand with 30% M-sand provides optimal results in termsofmechanicalpropertiesanddurabilityofM25 andM30gradesofconcrete.[7]

2.8 Shashichandra Kumar Tiwari & Dr. Shubha Khatri(2021) studiedthemechanicalbehaviorofM30 concrete by substituting the natural river sand with manufacturedsand(M-sand)atdifferentratiossuchas 0%, 50%, and 100%. As per the findings, although therewasaslightreductionintheworkabilityofthe mixture with increased percentages of M-sand, its mechanicalproperties(compressiveandsplittensile strength after 28 days) showed remarkable improvement at 50% and 100% substitution levels thanthatofthetraditionalmix.Itissuggestedthatthe natural sand can be completely substituted with Msand.[8]

2.9 R. Padmanaban and S. Ashik Ahamed (2020) gaveadetailedreviewoftheuseofmanufacturedsand (M-sand) as a more environmentally friendly and

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economicchoicethanriversandinmakingconcrete. Theresearchersindicatedthatthephysicalproperties of the M-sand including its cubic structure, smooth texture,andabsenceofanyorganicmaterialssuchas clayandmarinecomponentswereveryimportantin improvingthequality,workability,andstrengthofthe concrete.Inaddition,itwasnotedthatgradedM-sand helped in filling spaces between coarse aggregates, thusmakingconcrete denser andavoidingproblems associated with segregation and bleeding. It was concluded that with proper quality control in the manufacture of M-sand especially in the crushing process,theuseofM-sandisveryeffective.[9]

2.10 Shivang Jayswal and Mahesh Mungule (2018) conductedastudytoevaluatethebehaviorofM25and M30concretemixesusingM-sandasareplacementfor natural river sand. According to the researchers, Msandtendstobelargerinsizeandhasamoreabrasive texture than natural sand; however, the former has moremicro-finesthanthelatter.Thesedifferencesin particlesizedistributioncontributedtoahigherwater demand, and thus, a water reducing agent had to be added to keep the mixes workable and consistent. Nevertheless,onceworkabilitywasachieved,theuseof M-sandimprovedconcretebehavior.Inparticular,the compressive strength of M25 and M30 mixes was elevatedby5%-9%and7%-11%,respectively,while theirflexuralstrengthshowedanimprovementof5%15% and 10%-20%, respectively. Overall, the study found out that M-sand can be used as an excellent alternativetonaturalsandowingtoitsroughtexture, highspecificgravity,andgradation.[10]

2.11 Ashish Mathur and Mahim Mathur (2018) analyzedtheimpactofreplacingnaturalsandfoundin riverswithmanufacturedsand(M-sand)wasanalyzed with respect to varying ratios of 0% to 100% for differentmixes ofconcrete from M20 to M35. It was reported that although the fresh properties of the concretedeterioratedupontheincreasingpercentage of M-sand, resulting in a need for high range water reducingagents,therewasamarkedimprovementin mechanical properties. Tests for compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths showed thatreplacing sandby60%resultedinanoptimumincreaseofabout 20% in strength along with very good resistance to acidattack.[11]

2.12 D Neeraja et al. (2017) conductedresearchon strength properties of M30 grade concrete where naturalsandwasreplacedwithartificialsand(M-sand) in various percentages such as 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%,

and100%,alongwiththeuseofdifferentpercentages ofcoconutfibers.Accordingtothefindingspresented in this paper, the workability of fresh concrete got reduced due to the incorporation of M-sand and coconut fibers, but its mechanical properties got improved significantly. Moreover, it was noted from tests conducted on compressive and split tensile strength that when natural sand was replaced with 50% M-sand and 1.5% coconut fibers (by mass of cement), it resulted in optimum properties with an increasein26%incompressivestrengthand24%in splittensilestrengthofconcrete.[12]

2.13 C. Sudha et al. (2016) studiedthepossibilityof utilizingM-sandinplaceofnaturalriversandforhighstrengthM60gradeconcrete.Theauthorsstudiedthe strengthpropertiesoftheconcretewhennaturalriver sandwasreplacedwithM-sandat0%,25%,50%,75%, and100%,inadditiontotheuseofflyashandsilica fume.Theresultsshowedthattherewasaconsistent improvementinthestrengthpropertiesoftheconcrete when any percentage of natural river sand was substituted by M-sand during all curing ages. It was found that at 100% substitution, the compressive strengthandsplittensilestrengthwereincreasedby 6.27%and14.65%,respectively,relativetothecontrol mix.Moreover,theflexuralstrengthwasenhancedby 32.55%whenM-sandwascompletelysubstitutedfor river sand in M60 grade concrete. Consequently, the researchersindicatedthatM-sandisagoodsustainable substitute for river sand in high-strength concrete applications, which can overcome the shortage of natural sand and eliminate time delays and costs associatedwithconstructionprojects.[13]

2.14 Manjunatha M. et al. (2016) examined the characteristics of durability in the case of concrete usingthemanufacturedsand(M-sand)inlieuofafine aggregate. The study revealed that although much information is available concerning the mechanical behavior of M-sand such as compressive and split tensile strength, there is a considerable gap in the informationconcerningtheperformanceofconcretein severe environments. Moreover, the researchers emphasized the importance of studying other characteristics of M-sand such as the effect of weathering, chemical attack, freeze-thaw action, and abrasion on the concrete to gain knowledge on its residualstrengthandservicelife.[14]

2.15 V. Umamaheswaran, et al. (2015) conducted researchontheusageofM-sandalongwithdifferent mineraladmixturesforthepreparationofultra-high-

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

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strengthconcreteinM100grade.Asperthefindings, whenM-sandwasusedincombinationwithAlccofine asmineraladmixtures,extremelysuperiormechanical properties were achieved, andthe strength obtained exceededtheprescribedstandardby21percentafter 56days.Furthermore,thedurabilitytestsshowedthat mixeswithM-sandhadhighresistancetopenetration due tolow permeability,whiletheirsusceptibilityto drying shrinkage was slightly higher but remained withinpermissiblelevels.ItwasinferredthatM-sand canbeusedeffectivelyasanalternativeforriversand forhighlydurableandcost-effectiveconcretes.[15]

3. CONCLUSIONS

This research proves that the use of Manufactured Sand(M-Sand)isamoreefficientandenvironmentalfriendlysubstituteforriversandwhenitcomestoM30 gradeconcreteproduction.Thestudyshowsthatthe efficiency of concrete is not simply about using a substitute for its aggregates; it depends a lot on the gradationofparticlesused.

The data obtained from the experimentshowedthat there-classificationofM-SandaccordingtocertainBIS standardsleadstoabalancebetweentheworkability and the mechanical resistance. Although the angular nature and small size of M-Sand micro-fines lead to increased water consumption, the use of adequate admixtures and the optimal choice of grading zone (probablyZoneII)canhelptoachievegreaterdensity andhigherstrengthofconcretethannaturalsand.In summary, the adoption of the right gradation of MSandfortheproductionofM30concreteprovidesthe most effective solution to the problem of resource exhaustionworldwide.

REFERENCES

[1] A.Saxena,V.Kumar,S.B,A.Singla,A.Kumar,Q. Mohammad and P. Maan, "Effect of replacementofnaturalsandbymanufactured sandontheself-compactingconcrete,"GRIET, Hyderabad,2024.

[2] E. H. Singh and E. A. Chandaliya, "USE of MSAND in Conventional Concrete- A Review," International Journal of Research and ScientificInnovation(IJRSI),2023.

[4] N. Gaikwad, R. Mehmood and R. Waghaye, "EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF NATURAL SAND WITH MANUFACTURED SAND," International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science (IRJMETS),2023.

[5] M.D.Naresh,M.N.U.Lakshmi,M.Y.P.Reddy, M.M.SravyaandM.G.S.Sai,"AnExperimental Study on Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates with M-sand," International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR),2023.

[6] D. Tripathi, R. Kumar, P. Mehta and A. Singh, "Use of Mineral Admixtures and M-sand for sustainable Concrete," Springer Nature singaporePteLtd.,2022.

[7] T. Mounika and G. L. Bhuvaneswari, "STRENGTH CHARECTERISTICS OF CONCRETE BY REPLACING NATURAL SAND BY M-SAND FOR M20 AND M30 GRADE CONCRETE," INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ENGINEERINGTRENDS,2021.

[8] S.K.TiwariandD.S.Khatri,"INVESTIGATING THEPROPERTIESOFM-30GRADECONCRET CONTAINING M-SAND AS A FINE AGGREGATE," Journal of Emerging TechnologiesandInnovativeResearch(JETIR), 2021.

[9] R.PadmanabanandS.Ahamed,"UseofM-Sand in Concrete Manufacturing, Mix Design & QualityexpectationsfromtheUserIndustry," InternationalJournalOfEngineeringResearch AndDevelopment(IJERD),2020.

[10]S.JayswalandM.Mungule,"ASSESSMENTOF M-SAND AS POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTE FOR NATURALSANDINCONCRETE,"International conference on Advances in Construction MaterialsandStructures(ACMS),2018.

[11]A. Mathur and M. Mathur, "An Experimental StudyontheEffectofReplacementofNatural Sand with Manufacture Sand," International

[3] A. Mathur, R. Chhipa and M. Mathur, "Inspectionof the mechanical anddurability behaviorofconcretedevelopedusingmsand," IJATEE,2023.

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Volume: 13 Issue: 04 | Apr 2026 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

JournalofEngineeringResearch&Technology (IJERT),2018.

[12]D. Neerja, A. Vani, Z. Kamili and K. Agarwal, "Studyonstrengthcharacteristicsofconcrete using M-Sand and coconut fibers," IOP Conference series: Materials science and engineering,2017.

[13]S.C.,K.D.Krishnan,P.T.RavichandranandP. R. K. Rajkumar, "Strength Characteristics of HighStrengthConcreteusingM-sand,"Indian JournalofScienceandTechnology,vol.9,no. 41,pp.1-4,2016.

[14]M.M.,A.N.K.andJ.H.,"DurabilityStudieson Concrete by Replacing Natural Sand with MSand – A Review," International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering(IJETAE),vol.6,no.3,2016.

[15]U.V.,S.C.,R.P.T.andR.P.R.Kannan,"UseofM SandinHighStrengthandHighperfonmance concrete," Indian Journal of Science and Technology(IJST),2015.

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