Abstract
Recycled crushed glass is the main by-product of the glass recycling industry. Insufficient knowledge of the geotechnical characteristics of recycled glass and its environmental risks are the primary barriers in its application in road works. An extensive suite of geotechnical and environmental tests were undertaken on two common types of recycled crushed glass (fine recycled glass and medium recycled glass) to study the potential of using them in road works as alternatives to natural aggregates. Recycled glass was found to exhibit either equivalent or superior workability, hydraulic conductivity and shear strength to natural aggregates within the same soil classification and demonstrated the potential to substitute natural sand and gravel mixtures in a range of road applications. To address the environmental concerns of using recycled glass in road work applications, a comprehensive series of chemical and environmental tests including total and leachate concentration for a range of contaminant constituents including heavy metals and aromatic hydrocarbons were carried out. Test results were compared with environmental protection authorities’ requirements and indicated that no leaching hazard will be experienced during the service life of recycled glass in road work applications. Other possible environmental risks along with health and safety precautions and management suggestions have also been discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
