Investigating the Feasibility of Using Waste Glass in the Production of Eco-Friendly Concrete

  Share :          
  73

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the construction industry. However, its production is associated with the consumption of large quantities of cement and natural resources, in addition to carbon emissions resulting from cement manufacturing. With the growing interest in sustainable development and reducing environmental impacts, there is an increasing need to explore alternative and environmentally friendly materials that can be incorporated into concrete production. One such material is waste glass generated from domestic and industrial sources, which can be recycled and reused in concrete mixtures instead of being disposed of in landfills. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using waste glass in the production of eco-friendly concrete by investigating the effects of incorporating it as a partial replacement for certain concrete components, such as fine aggregate or cement, after grinding and processing it to achieve suitable particle sizes. Different concrete mixtures can be prepared using various replacement percentages, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, along with a control mixture containing no waste glass for comparison and evaluation of the effects of these percentages on concrete performance. The study focuses on evaluating the mechanical properties of concrete incorporating waste glass through several tests, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. It also investigates workability, density, and water absorption. Furthermore, tests can be conducted at different curing ages, such as 7, 28, and 56 days, to examine strength development over time and determine the influence of glass particle size and replacement percentage on the results. The effectiveness of waste glass in concrete depends on its chemical and physical properties, particularly its silica content and particle size. When glass is ground into a fine powder, it may exhibit pozzolanic properties that enable it to react with calcium hydroxide produced during cement hydration, forming additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) compounds. This reaction may contribute to improving the internal structure of concrete and reducing its porosity and permeability. When waste glass is used as a partial replacement for fine aggregate, its performance depends on particle shape, grading, and the replacement percentage. One important aspect that must be considered when using waste glass in concrete is the potential occurrence of the Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). This reaction may lead to the formation of an expansive gel in the presence of moisture, causing internal cracking and reducing the long-term durability of concrete. This effect can be minimized by using finely ground glass, carefully selecting replacement percentages, and applying appropriate treatments and supplementary materials. The significance of this study lies in the possibility of converting waste glass into a valuable resource for the construction materials industry rather than treating it as waste that requires disposal. This approach can contribute to reducing the consumption of natural resources, decreasing cement demand when glass powder is used as a partial cement replacement, minimizing the amount of waste sent to landfills, and supporting circular economy principles and sustainable construction practices. In conclusion, the use of waste glass in the production of eco-friendly concrete represents a promising approach to developing sustainable construction materials that combine satisfactory engineering performance with reduced environmental impacts. Achieving this requires determining the optimum replacement percentages, investigating the effects of glass particle size and processing methods on mechanical properties and durability, and ensuring that the risks associated with the alkali-silica reaction are minimized. These measures can help produce concrete mixtures that are economical, safe, and environmentally friendly.