Performance evaluation of concrete incorporating glass powder and glass sludge wastes as supplementary cementing material

The purport of this study is to efficiently recycle waste glass, one of silica-based industrial by-products, and use it as a cement substitute for sustainable construction. Waste glass powder (WGP) and waste glass sludge (WGS) were manufactured from the waste glass and their feasibility, for use in concrete as partial replacement of cement, was evaluated. 20% of cement (by weight) was replaced with WGP and WGS and the resulting concretes were tested for mechanical properties and durability. Porosity and phase identification studies were also carried out. After 90-day age, the WGS incorporated concrete exhibited the highest compressive strength. Also, it was found that WGS incorporation in concrete led to reduced porosity due to their greater pozzolanic activity owing to the inherent amorphous nature of WGS. Investigations on frost resistance and chloride ions penetrability further showed that these glass wastes are better in improving these properties. After 50 cycles of freezing – thawing, the concretes incorporated with WGP and WGS showed lower mass loss as compared to normal concrete, by 24% and 36% respectively. Also, WGS incorporation resulted in 24% reduction in chloride ion diffusion coefficient. Summarily, the results indicate that WGS is superior in enhancing mechanical, microstructural, and durability – related properties of concrete and as such its use in concrete shall help sustainable development due to efficient waste utilization, reduced associated carbon dioxide emissions, and lower production costs.