The Use of Fragmented, Worn-Out Car Side Windows as an Aggregate for Cementitious Composites

Abstract

The paper describes a new model of concrete production, which contains a glass cullet. A worn-out car side window have been used for the production of recycled glass aggregate (RGA) and its properties were examined. The RGA was used in concrete as a 50% and 100% mass substitute of the traditional aggregate. Basic tests of fresh concrete mix and hardened concrete were carried out. The consistency, the air content in the concrete mix, the density of hardened concrete, water absorption, water resistance, frost resistance, and the compressive strength (after 9, 28, and 90 days) were evaluated. Composite samples were also subjected to microscopic analysis. The results showed that the RGA can be recommended as an aggregate for concretes, and the features of the RGA concrete are more favorable than those of traditional concrete. The microscopic analyses allowed us to identify the reasons for improving the properties of the RGA composites.