Manufactured sand

Crushed rock sand

Crushed from hard rock (e.g., granite, basalt), this sand is screened to produce sand-sized particles. It is commonly used in concrete production, road construction, and as a material for pavements. Crushed rock sand has been widely used and is well-established in markets where natural sand is scarce.

Natural sand blends

This type of manufactured sand is a blend of natural sand with fine aggregates derived from industrial by-products, such as quarry dust or stone crusher waste. These sands are typically used for plastering and non-structural concrete. They are gaining popularity in areas with limited natural sand availability, although quality consistency can vary.

Washed manufactured sand

Produced by processing crushed rock aggregates through washing to remove impurities, washed manufactured sand is used in high-strength concrete, specialty construction, and premium infrastructure projects. It is more commonly found in regions with stringent material standards, such as Japan.

A number of manufactured sand products under research or pilot stages are listed below.

By-product blended manufactured sand (e.g. metal mining residual)

Industrial by-products from metal mining, such as tailings or slag, are blended with natural sand or other fine aggregates. Research has demonstrated their feasibility in concrete and pavement applications, aiming to reduce waste and enhance material sustainability. These materials are still in the pilot research phase, with limited commercial adoption.

Carbon-captured manufactured sand

This type of sand is enhanced with carbon dioxide captured from industrial processes to create eco-friendly aggregates. Primarily used in carbon-neutral concrete applications, the goal is to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. Research is ongoing to improve scalability and make this material more widely available.

Hybrid composite manufactured sand

This product is a blend of crushed aggregates with recycled sand-sized materials such as plastic or rubber, resulting in lightweight, eco-friendly aggregates. Research is exploring the use of hybrid composite manufactured sand in sustainable concrete, specialty pavements, and lightweight concrete materials. Market maturity is still in the early stages, with potential for niche markets.