Syllabus section: science and tech

Why in news?

The Rajasthan government has brought a policy on manufactured sand (M-sand), giving industry status to the units producing it for construction work and reducing the dependence on bajri (riverbed sand).

About:

• The policy will enable the investors to set up M-sand units by utilizing the incentives offered by the State government.

• It will also help in environmental protection and generate faith among the public in the efficacy of M-sand for construction works.

• The policy would help create employment opportunities through new units and resolve the issue of huge quantities of waste generated in the mining areas.

M sand

• M-sand is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction.

• Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing.

• The crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges, washed and graded to as a construction material.

• It can be dust free, the sizes of m-sand can be controlled easily so that it meets the required grading for the given construction.

• It is well graded in the required proportion.

• It does not contain organic and soluble compounds that affect the setting time and properties of cement, thus the required strength of concrete can be maintained.

• It does not have the presence of impurities such as clay, dust, and silt coatings.

 

Source – The Hindu