Recycling glass waste in mortar: a sustainable approach to enhancing strength and density

Abstract

The handling of waste glass poses a significant environmental challenge, resulting in substantial landfill buildup due to its non-biodegradable nature. This study addresses the issue by exploring the application of recycled glass can be used in place of some of the fine aggregate in cube, focusing on enhancing both strength and density. Various quantities of glass waste (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100%) were incorporated to evaluate its impact on the mechanical and physical characteristics of mortar. The evaluation of compressive strength, water absorption, and dry density was conducted following a 28-day curing period, along with statistical analysis performed using Minitab software to identify the optimal replacement levels. ImageJ software was utilized for microstructural analysis to evaluate changes in internal structure. The results indicate a notable improvement in strength and density, resulting from the pozzolanic reaction that takes place between glass particles and the cement matrix. This study promotes eco-friendly methods in the construction industry by providing a feasible strategy for handling glass waste, which reduces environmental impacts and improves mortar performance.