A comprehensive review on performance of cementitious and geopolymeric concretes with recycled waste glass as powder, sand or cullet

Abstract

Recycling waste glass for developing cementitious and geopolymeric concretes as sustainable construction materials have recently attracted increasing attentions for the construction industry. There are many previous studies on the effects of waste glass used as powder, sand or cullet based on the various sizes on the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete. However, there are few studies conducted on the durability performance of waste glass concrete. In this paper, in addition to a brief review on the fresh and mechanical properties and microstructure, the durability performance of concrete with waste glass is comprehensively reviewed under various environmental actions, including chemical attacks, chloride transport, high temperature, freeze-thaw cycles, carbonation, efflorescence, abrasion, alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and practical applications. It was found that the type, size and replacement ratio of waste glass significantly affect concrete durability. Compared to the glass cullet, the fine glass powder can usually improve the long-term durability, because the enhanced pozzolanic reactivity can reduce the ASR expansion due to the densified microstructure and reduced porosity. On the other hand, other factors such as mineral additives, mixing and curing methods also potentially affect the durability. Finally, some research perspectives and challenges of concrete with recycled waste glass are also presented and discussed. Considering the potential applications of waste glass concrete, this comprehensive review will provide an insight into an in-depth understanding of the production and performance for promising application.