An Eco-Friendly and Innovative Approach in Building Engineering: The Production of Cement–Glass Composite Bricks with Recycled Polymeric Reinforcements

Abstract

Cementitious–glass composite bricks (CGCBs) with 3D-printed reinforcement structures made of PET-G could be an innovative production method that relies on recycling glass waste (78%) and PET-G (8%). These bricks offer a promising solution for the construction industry, which has a significant impact on climate change due to its greenhouse gas emissions and extensive use of natural aggregates. The approach presented in this article serves as an alternative to using conventional building materials that are not only costlier but also less environmentally friendly. The conducted research included mechanical tests using digital image correlation (DIC), utilized for measuring deformations in specimens subjected to three-point bending and compression tests, as well as thermal investigations covering measurements of their thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat. The results highlighted the superior thermal properties of the CGCBs with PET-G reinforcements compared to traditional cementitious–glass mortar (CGM). The CGCBs exhibited a 12% lower thermal conductivity and a 17% lower specific heat. Additionally, the use of specially designed reinforcement substantially enhanced the mechanical properties of the bricks. There was a remarkable 72% increase in flexural strength in the vertical direction and a 32% increase in the horizontal direction.