Beyond river sand and M-sand, what other materials could builders use that won't break the bank?

Question

You're right to think beyond the traditional options! River sand is becoming increasingly expensive and environmentally problematic due to excessive extraction. M-sand (manufactured sand) is a good alternative, but exploring other cost-effective materials is wise.

Here are some options builders can use that often won't break the bank:

Alternatives to River Sand & M-Sand (as Fine Aggregate):

Quarry Dust / Stone Dust: A byproduct of crushing rocks in quarries, this fine material can often be sourced at a lower cost than river sand or M-sand. With proper grading and treatment, it can be a suitable replacement in concrete and mortar mixes, sometimes even improving workability and strength.
Crushed строительный кирпич (Construction and Demolition Waste): Recycling crushed bricks, concrete, and other construction debris (after proper processing to remove impurities) can be a very cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Foundry Sand: A byproduct of metal casting, foundry sand that meets specific quality standards can be used as a partial replacement for sand in concrete and asphalt mixes.
Slag (from Steel or Blast Furnaces): Granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and other types of slag, when ground to a fine powder, can be used as a supplementary cementitious material and can also replace a portion of the fine aggregate.
Recycled Glass Powder: Ground glass from recycled bottles and other glass waste can be used as a partial replacement for sand, and in some cases, can even enhance the properties of concrete.
Agricultural Byproducts (with processing): Materials like rice husk ash, corn cob ash, and other agricultural wastes, when processed correctly, can exhibit pozzolanic properties and partially replace sand or cement. However, their suitability depends on the specific application and required strength.
Desert Sand (with modification): While typically not ideal due to its rounded particles, research is ongoing into methods of modifying desert sand (e.g., through chemical or thermal treatments) to make it suitable for construction purposes. This could be a very abundant and cheap resource in some regions.

Other Cost-Effective Building Materials (Beyond Aggregates):

Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) / Mud Bricks: Utilizing locally available soil mixed with a stabilizer like cement or lime, CEBs are cost-effective, have low embodied energy, and offer good thermal insulation.
Laterite: A soil rich in iron and aluminum, readily available in many tropical regions, can be a cost-effective alternative to cement in certain applications, especially for walls.
Bamboo: A fast-growing and renewable resource, bamboo is strong and versatile, suitable for structural elements, roofing, and scaffolding in many regions.
Reclaimed Wood: Using timber salvaged from old buildings or other sources can be cheaper than new lumber and adds character.
Recycled Plastic: Innovative technologies are turning plastic waste into durable and cost-effective building materials like bricks, blocks, and roofing sheets.
Fly Ash Bricks: Made from fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion), these bricks are often lighter and can be more cost-effective than traditional clay bricks.
Hempcrete: A mixture of hemp fibers, lime, and water, hempcrete offers good insulation and is a more sustainable alternative to concrete in some applications.
Straw Bales: In certain climates, straw bale construction can be very cost-effective and provides excellent insulation.
Timbercrete: A composite material made from sawdust and concrete, reducing the amount of cement needed and lowering costs.

Important Considerations for Builders:

Local Availability: The cost-effectiveness of these materials heavily depends on their local availability and transportation costs.
Quality and Consistency: Ensure the alternative materials meet the required quality standards and have consistent properties for construction applications. Proper testing and processing are crucial.
Building Codes and Regulations: Verify that the use of these alternative materials complies with local building codes and regulations.
Workability and Application: Builders need to be familiar with the handling and application techniques for these materials, as they may differ from traditional methods.
Durability and Longevity: Consider the long-term performance and durability of the chosen alternative materials in the local climate.

By exploring these less conventional yet potentially cost-effective materials, builders can reduce construction costs, lessen their reliance on increasingly scarce river sand, and contribute to more sustainable building practices. Thorough research, testing, and adherence to quality standards are essential for successful implementation.