Mechanical Properties of Concrete Incorporating Waste Glass as Replacement for Fine and Coarse Aggregate

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of waste glass as a replacement for fine and coarse aggregates on the strength properties of concrete. Fine waste glass (FWG) and coarse waste glass (CWG) were utilised to replace natural fine and coarse aggregates at replacement rates of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, with a constant water-to-binder (w/b) ratio of 0.5 and a mix ratio of 1:1½:3 for M25 grade. The workability of fresh concrete mix was determined with the slump test. To assess the hardened characteristics of concrete, compressive and tensile strength tests were performed at 7, 14, and 28 days’ curing ages. The results show that the workability of concrete decreases as the FWG and CWG contents in the concrete mix increase. The 28-day compressive and tensile strengths of concrete increased by 28% and 16% respectively, with the replacement of up to 15% FWG and CWG, respectively compared to the control. However, the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete reduces with further replacement of fine and coarse aggregate with waste glass. The strength properties of concrete are improved at the optimum permissible level of 15% FWG and CWG, respectively, as a substitute for conventional fine and coarse aggregates. It was concluded that using waste glass as a constituent material in concrete production is a viable option for disposing of waste glass and lowering concrete production costs.