USE OF RECYCLED GLASS IN CONCRETE PRODUCTION

Abstract

Worldwide, rapid population growth causes an increasing production of solid waste, and sustainable waste management solutions are required to deal with this. Waste glass is a significant component of the solid waste stream, and most of the recycled glass cullet is used for new glassware. However, waste containers with mixed types of glass, such as windows, ovenware, and crystal, which have higher melting points and are of different colors, cannot be used for new glassware. Hence, the contaminated load is sent to landfill. As landfill capacity is limited, it is critical to consider using this waste material for other applications. While the effects of the substitution of fine or coarse aggregates have been extensively researched, information on the effects of partial replacement of coarse aggregates and total replacement of fine aggregate with glass cullet is scarce. This paper reports on continuing research at La Trobe University on using recycled aggregates in the production of concrete. The effects of partial or total replacement of coarse crushed rock aggregates with recycled glass aggregates on the strength and durability of concrete were investigated. It was found that concrete mixes produced with recycled glass exhibited lower performance than the mixes produced with crushed rock aggregates. However, the production costs were lower and the appearance of concrete was improved, making it applicable for finishing products, noise barriers and light-trafficked footpaths.