Development of high strength self compacting concrete with waste glass and waste marble

Abstract

This research investigates sustainable options for self-compacting concrete (SCC) using waste glass (WG) as a substitute for cement and the addition of marble waste as a filler material. The replacement levels of WG varied from 0 % to 20 %, with increments of 5.0 % while 10 % marble waste was added as filler to improve the SCC flowability. A series of experiments on SCC flow properties, mechanical performance, cracking behavior, failure patterns, and microstructure were conducted. Results indicate that WG increased the flowability of SCC. All the WG substituted mixes fall within the SCC limit and possessed better filling and passing ability. Furthermore, mechanical performance was enhanced with the substitution of WG due to micro-filling and pozzolanic action. Maximum compressive strength was achieved at 10 % substitution of WG which improved the compressive capacity of SCC by 17 % and 20 % more than from the reference SCC blend at 28 and 56 days respectively. However, higher percentages of WG (20 %) decreased the compressive capacity of SCC but still greater than reference SCC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis provide visible and chemical proof of the microstructural improvements resulting from pozzolanic reactions and micro-filling action. However, WG slightly improved tensile strength and had no impact on the failure pattern, which resulted in brittle failure without any warnings (cracks). Therefore, the study recommends additional research to improve the tensile strength and avoid brittle failure of WG based SCC by adding fibers.