Analysis of the mechanical properties of the concrete with partial substitution of the kind’s aggregate glass powder

Abstract

In this study, the influence of partial introduction as glass as fine aggregate on the composition of simple concrete is analyzed, considering that sand (fine aggregate currently used) has been used on a large scale in civil construction over the years and has been affecting the environment. The main objective of this research was to analyze the mechanical properties of concrete, partially replacing the natural sand with another fine aggregate made from glass residues, evaluating the behavior presented at the end of each test using different percentages of this material as fine aggregate in the concrete composition. From an experimental methodology that consisted of determining an object of study (concrete), selecting the variable that would possibly be able to influence it (glass powder) and defining the ways of controlling and observing the effects that the variable would produce on the object, an interpretation of how the mechanical properties of the glass powder that affect the performance of structural concrete is presented. The granulometry was subsequently analyzed, the tests carried out both in the fresh and hardened state of the concrete, and identified that the glass in a certain percentage proves to be viable. Finally, it can be concluded that the partial inclusion of glass affects the mechanical properties of structural concrete, and can present quite satisfactory results, both related to the environment, since the sand would not be used entirely as fine aggregate or in reaching a resistance suitable for its final use.