An Eco-Sustainable Production of Cement Mortar Containing Waste Glass as Partial Replacement of Cement

Abstract

1.1 BackgroundGlass, with its variety of forms, is a typical amorphous material that whenrecycled for numerous times, it may maintain similar chemical properties. Preliminary examination and pozzalanic activity index testing exhibited compliance with specifications and a potential for use as a supplementary cementitious material. The effects of replacement percentages that ranged from 0-20% by the total binder weight on various fresh, hardened, durability and microstructure properties were investigated. The percent of replacement 20% of glass powder (GP) by the total binder weight revealed the highest results for strength mortar. Expansion due to alkali silica reaction (ASR) reduced considerably with the increased GP content, and a level of 20% GP has exhibited the best ASR resistance. Rate of water absorption was found to reduce with replacements in the range up to 15%, indicating more impedance to capillary water permeability and expected improved durability. XRD results suggest that GP has a positive effect on the consumption of portlandite, especially in the higher percent. An average glass content of 15-20% was found optimal to produce an eco-sustainable mortar where cement is partially replaced with as much waste material as possible, and that achieves high levels of mechanical characteristics.