The effects of using cathode ray tube (CRT) glass as coarse aggregates in high-strength concrete subjected to high temperature

Abstract

Waste cathode ray tube glass has been formed into two different products which are spherical glass (GS) and crushed glass (GC). Since it is a new material that acts as a coarse aggregate in concrete production, the architectural and civil structures built with such concretes may face a risk of fire situations. Thus, it is important to analyze the behavior of concrete containing GS and GC after exposure to high temperatures. A series of experimental programs were conducted on mixtures of concrete containing GS and GC as coarse aggregates, which were subjected to high temperatures ranging from ambient temperature to 800 °C at exposure time of 1 and 2 h. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, mass loss, and X-ray diffraction were analyzed. Results show better compressive strength in concrete containing GS at temperature 200–600 °C. However, the use of GS affects the splitting tensile strength more negatively, compared to GC. But, at a temperature beyond 600 °C, the use of GC causing bubbles of glass appeared on the surface of concrete and toxic Pb was found in the crushed concrete paste.