Experimental Study on the Substitution of Natural Sand with M-Sand and Incorporation of Steel Fibers in Concrete

In recent years, gigantic structures like multi-story buildings, dams, bridges, and nuclear plants are constructed with high-strength concrete. However, concrete is brittle and has a lower tensile strength. When exposed to high temperatures, concrete loses some of its mechanical properties. Fibers were added to the concrete to lessen brittleness and enhance these mechanical properties at high temperatures. Natural sand is scarce and has negative environmental effects when it is taken out of riverbeds and other sources. To address these issues, researchers have looked into alternatives like manufactured sand (M-sand). To ensure long-lasting and sustainable constructions, improving the mechanical qualities of concrete has also been a priority. In this study, the performance of concrete was examined after addition of steel fibers and MS and are added in place of natural sand. In this work M75 grade concrete was used. Various amounts of M-sand (0, 25, 50, and 75%) was used in place of natural sand. From this study concluded that M-sand is particularly cost-effective when utilized to achieve increased strength and replacing 50% of M-sand results in greater strength. The tensile strength of concrete is also increased by the insertion of steel fibers.