The Future of Artificial Sand: What is Mechanical Sand and How Does it Differ from Natural Sand?

Abstract: As the demand for sandstone increases due to new infrastructure development and other trends, the sandstone supply shortage has become a pressing issue. The construction industry is facing challenges of transformation and upgrading. China is currently promoting artificial sand projects to provide enough high-quality sandstone for the domestic construction industry. The emergence of artificial sand was not smooth, and there were frequent accidents due to improper use of artificial sand, and negative news about the poor quality of artificial sand. Artificial sand became a hot topic, and opinions on it varied. Some people doubted it, while others believed that artificial sand was a scam. The controversy over artificial sand continued to grow.
With the rapid development of new infrastructure and urbanization, the demand for sandstone has increased sharply. However, the natural sandstone supply is limited, and the environmental impact of mining natural sandstone is becoming increasingly prominent. In response to this challenge, China’s construction industry has started to promote the use of artificial sand, also known as mechanical sand, to meet the growing demand for sandstone.

Artificial Sand

construction industry

Artificial sand is a type of sandstone produced by crushing and screening raw materials such as granite, limestone, and river pebbles. It has similar physical and chemical properties as natural sandstone, but it has better consistency and less impurities. Artificial sand can be used in various construction applications, such as concrete, mortar, and asphalt.

However, the development and application of artificial sand have been controversial. Some people are skeptical about the quality and performance of artificial sand, and there have been frequent accidents reported due to the improper use of artificial sand. In addition, some unscrupulous companies have produced low-quality artificial sand, which has caused negative impacts on the construction industry.

To address these issues, the Chinese government has introduced strict regulations and standards for the production and use of artificial sand. The government is also promoting research and development of new technologies and equipment for artificial sand production to improve its quality and performance.

In conclusion, artificial sand has great potential for development due to its advantages of abundant raw materials, good quality, and environmental protection. However, it is important to ensure the quality and safety of artificial sand through strict regulations and standards, as well as technological innovation and research. With the proper management and application of artificial sand, it can play a positive role in the development of the construction industry and the sustainable development of society.