Technical and Economic Analysis on Properties of Waste Glass Sand Concrete Based on the Principle of Value Engineering

Abstract

The increasing depletion of natural sand resources and the urgent need for sustainable construction materials underscore the significance of this study, which investigates the incorporation of waste glass sand (WGS) into concrete as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative. The challenge lies in achieving a balance between the structural performance of concrete and the economic and environmental advantages of utilizing recycled materials. To address this issue, river sand was partially replaced with WGS at varying proportions (0–60 wt %), and the resulting waste glass sand concrete (WGSC) was assessed for workability (slump), mechanical properties (compressive strength and elastic modulus), and economic viability (functional, cost, and value coefficients). The findings indicated that higher WGS replacement rates enhanced flowability while maintaining a stable elastic modulus. Compressive strength, measured in both cubic and prismatic forms, initially increased before declining at higher replacement levels. The functional coefficient increased initially but then decreased, whereas the cost coefficient consistently decreased. The value coefficient displayed a nonlinear trend, initially increasing, then decreasing, and subsequently rising again. A linear regression model revealed a strong correlation between the value coefficient and the WGS replacement rate. Importantly, WGS not only reduced material costs but also mitigated functional deficiencies, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable partial substitute for river sand in concrete.