Enhancing Concrete Strength: Investigating the Impact of Glass Fines on Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The global emission of CO2 from cement industries poses a significant environmental challenge, being a primary contributor to environmental issues. Numerous researchers have explored alternative cementitious materials to formulate robust and long-lasting concrete. This study focuses on utilizing waste glass powder (GlP), derived from rejected soda-lime glass bottles collected from various sources, for experimental purposes. The laboratory experiments investigate the behavior of concrete incorporating glass as a partial substitute for cement in varying percentages, ranging from 5% to 25% at intervals of 5% by weight of cement. The assessment of mechanical properties includes compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength. Additionally, properties such as the modulus of elasticity of concrete (MoE) and resistance to abrasion are examined. Microstructural analysis is conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings indicate that incorporating GlP up to 15% enhances the mechanical properties of concrete. Notably, the performance of GlP in terms of abrasion resistance and modulus of elasticity surpasses that of the control mix. These significant results underscore the suitability of glass fines for producing sustainable and environmentally friendly concrete.