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Experimental Investigation on the Strength and Durability Properties of

Concrete Using Manufactured Sand

Article  in  International Journal of Applied Engineering Research · July 2020

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 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, ISSN 0973-4562 Vol. 10 No.68 (2015)
© Research India Publications; httpwww.ripublication.comijaer.htm
Experimental Investigation on the Strength and
Durability Properties of Concrete Using
Manufactured Sand
B. Vijaya, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil
Engineering,
DR. M.G.R. Educational & Research Institute University,
Chennai, India
ABSTRACT
The present investigation aims to study the properties of concrete
in which Manufactured sand (M-Sand) is used as a partial and full
replacement for natural sand. To retain the natural resource such
as natural sand an attempt is made in this research by partially
replacing the natural sand with M-Sand. To study the basic
strength and durability characteristics of concrete, M30, M40 and
M50 grades were selected. In the strength characteristic study, the
compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength
were determined experimentally for the conventional and M-Sand
concrete. In the durability study, the conventional and M-sand
concrete is tested by conducting acid attack test and sulphate
attack test. The experimental results revealed that the M-sand
replaced concrete have 20% more compressive strength when
compared with conventional concrete for the 60% replacement of
sand with M-sand (which found optimum). In the acid attack test,
the percentage weight loss for conventional concrete is 2.65%,
whereas for M-sand replaced concrete it is only 2% irrespective of
grade of concrete. The test results exhibits that the durability
property of concrete is enhanced by partial replacement of sand
with 60 % of M-sand for all the grades of concrete.
Keywords: Manufactured sand, Compressive strength, Flexural
strength, Split tensile strength, Acid attack , Sulphate attack.
1. Introduction:
Scarcity of good quality Natural River sand due to depletion
of resources and restriction due to environmental
consideration has made concrete manufactures to look for
suitable alternative fine aggregate. One such alternative is
“Manufactured sand”. Though manufactured sand has been
in use in concrete manufacturing in India, the percentage of
its contribution is still very negligible in many parts of the
country. The application of concrete meeting the
specification is of paramount importance, to ensure
construction of durable R.C.C. structure. Hence durable
concrete covers and bears the responsibility of sustaining
the entire R.C.C. structure throughout it service life. A well
processed manufactured sand as partial or full replacement
to river sand is the need of the hour, as a long term solution
in Indian concrete industry until other suitable alternative
fine aggregate are developed.
With the world wide decline in the availability of
construction sands along with the environmental pressures
to reduce extraction of sand from rivers, the use of
109
S.Senthil Selvan, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
S.R.M.University, Kattankulathur, India
manufactured sand as a replacement is increasing. With the
ban on sand mining implemented by different states, and
with the increasing demand for river sand for construction
works, many civil engineers have expressed the need to
promote use of manufactured sand in the construction
industry. As per reports, manufactured sand is widely used
all around the world and technicians of major projects
around the world insist on the compulsory use of
manufactured sand because of its consistent gradation and
zero impurity.
There is a need for “clean sand” in the construction from the
point of view of durability of structures. Indiscriminate
mining and quarrying is posing threat to the environment.
As the demand for Natural River sand is surpassing the
availability, has resulted in fast depletion of natural sand
sources. Manufactured sand is the answer for this problem
especially when some states have already banned the use of
river sand for construction. This sand has been well defined
in IS 383-1970.There is a need to study shape characteristics
of manufactured sand, effect of micro fines on concrete
characteristics such as modulus of elasticity, shrinkage,
creep etc., concrete mix proportioning by resorting to
particle packing approach is the need of the hour when it
comes to use manufactured sand as a replacement to natural
river sand.
2. Literature Survey:
The formation history of sand determines their particle
shape. Natural sand tends to be round due to the cumulative
effect of multiple collisions and abrasion. Manufactured
sand are the product of rock crushing, which creates grains
with distinctive particle shapes that depend on the parent
rock composition fracture mode coordination number during
crushing and the reduction ratio. The crushing process tends
to produce angular sharp edged particles. Rough angular
particles yield a granular packing of lower density, lower
small strain stiffness and higher critical state friction angle
when compared with more rounded natural sand [1].
The shape and texture of crushed sand particles could lead
to improvements in the strength of concrete due to better
interlocking between particles [2]. However, angular fine
aggregate produces mortar of lower workability than
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, ISSN 0973-4562 Vol. 10 No.68 (2015)
© Research India Publications; httpwww.ripublication.comijaer.htm
spherical sand for the same water content [3-5], or the same
volume of cement paste [5-7]. Additional water is often
incorporated into cement mixtures to improve workability,
yet higher water content decreases strength, even though the
angular particles themselves increase inter particle shear
resistance.
The use of angular manufactured sand in Portland cement
concrete has significantly increased over the last 25 years
especially in areas where natural sands are scarce. Despite
the wider use of manufactured sand, current aggregate
quality assessment method are primarily based on round
natural sand performance specifications for concrete sand
invariably consider grain size distribution; other
equirements may include sand equivalency durability,
organic impurities, fineness modulus, and reactivity. Even
though the sand from a particular source meets all these
requirements there is no guarantee that the sand will
perform satisfactorily in concrete .Other sand characteristics
such as mineralogy, particle shape, and surface texture are
not necessarily measured by typical tests. Yet, they may
strongly influence overall performance [8].
evaluation of strength and durability properties of concrete
with M-sand as partial replacement of river sand, tests on
cubes, cylinders and prisms were adopted. The variations in
this phase of study include the partial replacement of river
sand by M-sand at regular intervals of 30%
40%,50%,60%,70% & 100% for M30, M40, & M50 grades
of concrete.
3.2. Properties of Manufactured sand:
M –sand is used as partial replacement of fine aggregate.
Sieve analysis is carried out to determine the fineness
modulus and to draw the grading curve of fine aggregate by
sieving as per code IS 383-1970.The sieve analysis has been
carried out for sand as per code IS 383-1970.The bulk
density and specific gravity of manufactured sand is
calculated experimentally and its value is1862 Kg/m3and
2.50 respectively. The fineness modulus of M-sand is 2.68.
The percentage of particles passing through various sieve
were compared with natural sand and are presented in Table
No:1 and the graph was drawn for sieve analysis for the two
sand.
Table1: Sieve analysis comparison of two sand

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic Sieve size River sand % M-sand % passing
comparison of the effects of natural and manufactured sand passing
exert on strength and durability properties. This paper 4.75mm 100.00 100.00
presents the mechanical behaviour of the selected fine 2.36mm 95.6 90.70
aggregates, followed by the durability behaviour of
1.18mm 86.00 66.20
conventional and M-sand concrete.
600µm 56.20 39.80
3. Experimental Investigation: 300µm 17.70 25.50
3.1. Manufactured Sand: 150µm 3.10 9.90
Manufactured sands are produced by crushing rock Fineness 2.30 2.68
depositions to produce a fine aggregate which is generally modulus
more angular and has rougher surface texture than naturally
weather sand particles. The production of M-sand also
generates high percentages of micro-fines, particles that pass
the 75 µm sieve, ranging from 5% to 20%. Generally the
micro-fines are washed out since the Chinese national
standard JTG F 30-2003 limits the amount of micro-fines to
5% [9], and it is not feasible to eliminate a portion of them.

The elimination of the micro –fines represents a wasted

aggregate resource and leads to a disposal problem for
producer. In addition, the elimination of the micro –fines
often produces a harsh mix that does not finish well leading
to the necessity of adding natural sand for increasing
workability [10]. Previous researches have shown that good
quality concrete can be made using manufactured sand.
This experimental investigation consists of workability,
strength tests and durability tests on concrete with partial
replacement of river sand by M-sand. For the determination
of properties at the green stage of concrete, workability,
slump test has been preferred as it is more convenient for
field works than any other workability test. For the
Fig 1: Sieve Analysis Graph
The fineness modulus of river sand is 2.30 whereas the
fineness modulus of M-sand is 2.68. However,
manufactured sand particles match the shape of river sand
very closely. The sieve analysis graph shows that the river
sand and M-sand lies between the maximum and minimum
range of zone II of IS 383. Higher fineness modulus,
particles grading, shape, texture and control of micro fines
have contributed to better workability of Manufactured

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 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, ISSN 0973-4562 Vol. 10 No.68 (2015)
© Research India Publications; httpwww.ripublication.comijaer.htm
sand. The good physical properties of manufactured sand replacement of M-sand, beyond that there is a sharp
has enabled in reduction of free water as well. In case of downward side graph implies that there is decrease in
manufactured sand, the process of attrition through Vertical compressive strength beyond 60% replacement of M-sand
Shaft Impact crusher (VSI) and washing makes the crushed with river sand.
stone sand particles good enough to be compared for shape
and surface texture of natural sand. With well-designed There is a significant improvement in the compressive
screening system the required grading (Zone II) and fineness strength of concrete up to 60% replacement with M-sand.
modulus of 2.4 to 3.1 can be achieved consistently in the Further increase in percentage of replacement, decreases the
case of manufactured sand. The sieve analysis graph compressive strength .It is observed that there is consistent
revealed that the fine aggregate falls in Zone II of IS increase in the strength of concrete when partial replacement
383:1972. of natural sand by M -sand .The sharp edges of the particles
in M-sand provide better bond with cement than rounded
3.3. Experimental Investigation: particles of natural sand resulting in higher strength up to
The conventional concrete and M-sand concrete cubes, an optimum replacement of sand by M-sand with 60% .
cylinder and beams were casted and tested. Three specimens
were tested for 28 days, with M-sand replacement of 3.3.2 Split Tensile Strength :
30%,40%, 50%,60%,70%and100% for M30,M40 & M50 Split Tensile strength was measured using a compression
grades of concrete. The constituents were weighed and the testing machine with maximum capacity of 2000 KN. The
materials were mixed by machine mixing. The mixes were Split tensile test was carried out conforming to IS 516-1959
compacted using needle vibrator .The specimens were to obtain the 28 days strength with partial replacement of
demoulded after 24 hrs, cured in water for and 28 days and M-sand. The cylinders were casted, cured and tested using
then tested for its compressive Strength as per Indian compression testing machine. There is significant
Standard. The tests were carried out conforming to IS 516 - improvement in the split tensile strength of concrete up to
1959 to obtain compressive strength of concrete at the age 60% replacement with M-sand. Further increase in
of 28 days .The Cubes were tested using compression percentage of replacement, decreases the split tensile
testing machine (CTM)of capacity 2000KN and the results strength of concrete. This improved split tensile strength is
are tabulated in Table 2. due to the manufacturing process of M-sand, which resulted
in reduced surface area and better particle packing. This
Table 2. Compressive Strength of Natural sand and M- could have contributed to the better binding effect with the
sand concrete available cement paste and thereby improved the split
tensile strength.
Natural M- Compressi Compressi Compressiv
sand sand ve strength ve strength e strength Table 3. Split Tensile Strength of Natural sand and M-
(%) (%) (M30)Mpa (M40)Mpa (M50)Mpa sand concrete.
100 0 36.12 46.80 54.34 Natural M-sand Split Split Split
70 30 38.27 48.51 56.87 sand (%) (%) tensile tensile tensile
60 40 41.24 51.26 58.24 strength strength strength
50 50 44.36 53.08 61.12 (Mpa)M30 (Mpa)M40 (Mpa)M50
40 60 47.20 55.82 64.32 100 0 3.66 4.05 5.20
30 70 45.67 52.24 62.36 70 30 3.79 4.20 5.23
0 100 42.64 50.22 60.26 60 40 4.05 4.36 5.34
50 50 4.10 4.56 5.56
40 60 4.71 4.87 5.68
30 70 4.47 4.74 5.59
0 100 3.68 4.63 5.48

Fig 2. Compressive Strength of concrete Vs M-sand

replacement

3.3.1. Compressive Strength:

The figure 2 shows that the increase in percentage of M-
sand increases the value of compressive strength up to 60% Fig3.Split Tensile Strength of concrete Vs M-sand
replacement

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 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, ISSN 0973-4562 Vol. 10 No.68 (2015)
© Research India Publications; httpwww.ripublication.comijaer.htm
3.3.3 Flexural Strength Test: durability of concrete. which includes acid attack, and
The test was carried out conforming to IS 516-1959 to sulphate attack.
obtain the flexural strength of concrete at the age of 28 days.
The beams were tested using Flexure testing machine. 4.1 Acid Attack Test:
The acid resistivity of concrete was studied by immersing
Table4. Flexural Strength of Natural sand and M-sand the specimens in acid solution. The test has been conducted
concrete for the conventional concrete and concrete specimens
replacing fine aggregate with 60% of M-sand. The
Natural M-sand Flexural Flexural Flexural specimens of size 150x 150 x150mm were casted and cured
sand (%) (%) strength strength strength in water for 28 days. After 28 days of curing the specimens
(Mpa) (Mpa) (Mpa) were removed from the curing tank and their surfaces were
M30 M40 M50 cleaned with a soft nylon brush to remove weak reaction
100 0 4.15 4.99 6.23 products and loose materials from the specimen. The initial
70 30 4.23 5.20 6.48 weights were measured and the specimens were immersed
60 40 4.36 5.36 6.69 in 5% sulphuric acid solution for the next 28 days of acid
50 50 4.50 5.58 6.82 exposure, specimens were tested for compressive strength
40 60 4.78 5.72 7.03 and compared with the strength of concrete specimens
30 70 4.52 5.48 6.73 which were not exposed to acid attack. The results are
0 100 4.28 5.26 6.54 tabulated.
Mix M- % %Compressi
designatio sand Weight ve strength
n % loss loss
M30 0% 2.65 9.73
M30 60% 2.36 9.54
M40 0% 2.46 8.49
M40 60% 2.25 8.31
M50 0% 2.23 8.08
M50 60% 2.09 7.98

Fig4.Flexural Strength of concrete Vs M-sand

replacement

The Flexural strength increased by 15% for 60%

replacement of river sand with M-sand. Above 60% the
flexural strength decreases. The tabulated results and the
graph showed the flexural strength values for the
conventional and M-sand replaced concrete. From the
graphs, it was found that there is an increase in the Flexural
strength values for the conventional and M-sand concrete up
to 60% replacement of river sand with M-sand. Further
increase in replacement of M-sand results in reduction of
flexural strength of the beam.
4. Experimental Investigation on the durability
behaviour of concrete:
Specifying a durable concrete begins with identifying
exposure conditions. Durability of concrete is its ability to
perform satisfactorily in the exposure condition to which it
is subjected over an intended period of time with minimum
maintenance. The environment in which the concrete is
exposed plays an important role in the durability. The
experimental investigation consists of two phases. The first
phase of the investigation involved the optimisation of M-
sand replacement. The second phase deals with the
The sulphate resistivity of concrete was studied by
immersing the specimens in sulphate solution. The test has
been conducted using conventional concrete and concrete
Fig 5. Weight loss under Acid Attack
Acid attack test shows that the percentage weight loss and
the compressive strength loss after 28 days of curing in
sulphuric acid. For concrete samples with 100 % natural
sand, the weight loss and the compressive strength loss is
more than that for concrete samples with 60% Manufactured
sand. M50 grade of concrete shows the least weight loss %
and compression strength loss among other grades of
concrete in which, M50 with 60% replacement of fine
aggregate with M-sand shows more resistance to acid attack
when compared to the conventional concrete. The tabulated
results showed that the percentage weight loss due to acid
attack is 2.65 % for conventional concrete and 2% for M-
sand replaced concrete.
4.2.Sulphate attack test :
specimens replacing fine aggregate with 60% of M-sand.
The specimens of size 150x 150 x150mm were casted and
cured in water for 28 days. After 28 days of curing the

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 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, ISSN 0973-4562 Vol. 10 No.68 (2015)
© Research India Publications; httpwww.ripublication.comijaer.htm
specimens were removed from the curing tank and their • The split tensile strength of concrete increased by 10%
surfaces were cleaned with a soft nylon brush to remove when compared with conventional concrete up to 60%
weak reaction products and loose materials from the replacement of M-sand with river sand.
specimen. The initial weights were measured and the • The Flexure strength of concrete increased by 15% for
specimens were immersed in 5% sodium sulphate solution 60% replacement of M-sand with river sand. When the
for the next 28 days of sulphate exposure, specimens were percentage of replacement of M-sand goes beyond 60
tested for compressive strength and compared with the %, the strength is considerably reduced.
strength of concrete specimens which were not exposed to • The percentage weight loss due to sulphate attack is 1.8
acid environment. % for conventional concrete and 1% for M-sand
replaced concrete irrespective of the grade of concrete.
Mix M- %weigh Compressiv The percentage weight loss due to acid attack is 2.65 %
Designatio sand t loss e strength for conventional concrete and 2% for M-sand replaced
n (%) loss in % concrete.
M30 0% 1.78 6.98 • The durability of M-sand concrete under acid and
M30 60% 1.60 6.74 sulphate attack is higher inferior to that of conventional
M40 0% 1.55 5.45 concrete.
M40 60% 1.40 5.21 • Hence this research concluded with remarks of the
M50 0% 1.12 4.87 optimum percentage of M-sand to obtain high
M50 60% 0.97 4.31 compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexure
Table 6: Strength of concrete under sulphate Attack strength, when natural sand is replaced with 60% of M-
sand.
• The superior shape , proper gradation, and smooth
surface texture of M-sand provides greater compressive
strength up to 60% replacement.

Fig 6. Weight loss under sulphate Attack
The Sulphate attack test results shows that the percentage
weight loss and compressive strength loss after 28 days of
curing in sodium sulphate solution. For concrete samples
with 100% natural sand, the weight loss and compressive
strength loss are slightly more than that for concrete samples
with 60% Manufactured sand. M50 grade of concrete shows
the least weight loss % and the compression strength loss
percentage among the other grades of concrete in which,
M50 with 60% replacement of fine aggregate with M-sand
shows more resistance to sulphates when compared with
conventional concrete. The percentage weight loss due to
sulphate attack is 1.8 % for conventional concrete and 1%
for M-sand replaced concrete. Hence the M-sand concrete
have good resistance against sulphate attack.
CONCLUSION
• It is observed that the compressive strength, split tensile
strength and flexure strength of concrete is improved by
partial replacement of M-sand for fine aggregate.
• The compressive strength, split tensile strength are
increased as the percentage of M-sand is increased up to
a maximum level of 60%.
• The experimental results revealed that the M-sand
replaced concrete have 20% more compressive strength
up to 60% replacement of M-sand and further increase
in the percentage of M-sand reduced the strength.
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