Strength and Durability Assessment of Low Water Absorption Glasscrete Blocks for Zero-Spalling Effect in Buildings

Abstract

Glass waste produced around the world is disposed of carefreely, creating huge piles in landfills and increasing environmental pollution because it is non-biodegradable. This study was conducted to assess the strength and durability of waste glass as a partial replacement for a mortal mix of sharp sand and stone dust. The glasscrete block samples were produced in a 6” metal block mould with 0%, 25% and 50% partial replacement of stone dust and sharp sand respectively. The compressive strength and water absorption tests were conducted after the samples were cured for 7, 28 and 56 days in a laboratory. The highest compressive strengths of 102.333kN and 100.667kN were observed in 50% waste glass partial replacement with sharp sand and 50% waste glass combination with 25% sharp sand and 25% stone dust respectively. The least compressive strength was seen in the control samples of sand and stone dust with no replacement of waste glass. This shows that the addition of waste glass increased the compressive strength of the block samples. The least rate of water absorption was recorded in 50% waste glass, 25% sharp sand and 25% stone dust. It should be noted that the replacement of the waste glass with stone dust performed poorly unlike that of sharp sand. Therefore, it is recommended that 50% waste glass, 25% sharp sand and 25% stone dust should be adopted for the production of glasscrete blocks for a zero-spalling effect in buildings with varying mix ratios. Glasscrete blocks can therefore be used in the waterlogged environment and areas prone to the spalling condition.