Effect of glass waste as a cement replacement on the mechanical properties of concrete

Abstract

Every day several tons of glass dispose as waste. Glass waste, as a non-degradable waste, causes many environmental problems. Using glass waste powder in concrete as a partial substitute for cement has notable effects on the reduction of environmental pollutants, energy consumption, and concrete production costs. In this study, the impact of using waste glass powder in levels of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% as a substitute for cement on the mechanical properties of concrete was evaluated. Chemical analysis of glass and cement samples was determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The flexural and compressive strength of the samples were measured according to ISO 679, Methods of testing cement – Determination of strength, in 3, 7, 28, and 90 days. The results of the compressive strength test showed that the strength of concrete increases by the amount of used glass powder in the concrete composition. The highest value of compressive strength was obtained by the sample with 15 wt.% of glass powder.