Valorization of glass powder as filler in self-compacting concrete

Abstract

In Algeria, glass waste is underutilized in the industrial sector; however, its potential use in civil engineering offers a significant ecological and economic opportunity. This approach could be a solution to eliminate illegal dumping sites, reduce pollution, and provide a new source of sustainable construction materials. In this context, this research aimed to produce self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixtures using recycled glass powder as a replacement for limestone filler. This research presents an experimental study investigating the impact of glass powder waste as a replacement for the traditionally used limestone filler in self-compacting concrete. To investigate the workability and compressive strength of the SCC studied, eleven concrete mixtures were prepared with varying substitution rates of limestone filler (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%) with powder glass. The use of powdered glass waste has beneficial effects, as the pozzolanic reaction generates an additional amount of hydrated calcium silicates. The results of the investigation showed an increase in compressive strength compared to the control concrete specimen (without glass powder). The best results were observed when incorporation ranged between 10% and 50%, with the optimal level being 30%, resulting in an 8.47% strength gain. This study contributes to the valorization of glass powder as a substitute for limestone filler. The results demonstrate positive effects on both fresh and hardened characteristics when using glass powder in proportions ranging from 10% to 50% of the filler mass.