Manufactured sand for stronger buildings

It has been proved that filter sand is not fit for construction purposes and the state government has banned its use in Karnataka. Filter sand might lead to development of cracks in structures, thus reducing its compressive strength and life. Production of filter sand has been adversely affecting the fertility of agriculture land. Filter sand isn't good for the environment either. The government had ordered that violators and illegal operators involved in sand mining and filter sand trade will be jailed and have a hefty fine imposed on them. Cases will be booked under the Anti-Goonda Act against them.

However, gullible customers still buy filter sand since it is costs much lesser than good sand fit for construction. RS Raghavan, Managing Director, PROMAN Infrastructure Service Pvt Ltd., talks about why using filter sand is dangerous in the long run.

What are the ill-effects of filter sand on buildings?
Filter sand is the term used for the material taken from the bottom of the lake or man made trough like ponds. This is not sand but washed mud with high levels of silt, mud and other chemicals, which has corrosive effects. Silt and mud are enemies of concrete. It means that we need to add more cement to increase the strength of the concrete and the danger is that it will lead to cracks in structure reducing the compressive strength and life of the structures.

What is the alternative?
Manufactured sand is the alternative for river sand. Manufactured sand can now be produced in a stone crushing plant by implementing Vertical Shaft Impactors (VSI) and washing plant like the Ortner. This sand is produced from stones which is used for aggregates and the quality is consistent and better than river sand. River sand is highly adulterated with filter sand these days. PROMAN is one of the leaders in supplying complete crushers and system for the manufacturing of concrete sand and plaster sand.

Is there a growing demand for manufactured sand?
PROMAN has supplied equipment for the sand manufacturing plants all over India and Middle Eastern countries. The concept has been already accepted and well-received in Maharashtra and Kerala. Recently, Tamil Nadu government and Karnataka Government have also allowed the use of manufactured sand in all government contracts. PROMAN has supplied one of the biggest plants in Bangalore, which is supplying aggregates and also manufactured sand to the Bangalore International airport expansion and also the Metro Rail Project.

What is Bangalore's requirement of sand per day?
The demand for sand (river and manufactured sand) is estimated to be around 20,000 tons per day.