Use of recycle glass as a coarse aggregate in concrete

Abstract

Concrete is a composite material composed of sand and gravel, chemically bound together by hydrated Portland cement. It is the most widely used construction material in the developed world. As a result, the concrete industry is also one of the biggest consumers of natural resources specifically sand, gravel, rock and water. Numerous environmental problems and natural disasters are occurred because of the high extraction of natural resources. Due to that, researchers were focused on recycled materials for future development, while protecting the environment. Low cost, availability and simple process to recycle, glass concrete applications could be significantly applied in the construction industry. Therefore, primary aim of this research is to explore the applicability and adaptability of glass as a recycled material for concrete and concrete applications in Sri Lankan construction industry. This research problem will be approached through experimental studies. The empirical study will be conducted by testing the glass concrete applications in a laboratory. The results will be analysed to evaluate the concrete properties, which are made from glass coarse aggregates and glass concrete aesthetic applications. A total number of 10 cubes will be casted and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, slump test, absorption test. It is expected that concrete which made of glass concrete aggregate 16% less strength in compression, flexure than conventional concrete. This paper intend to recommends that recycle glass can be used as an alternate coarse aggregate in concrete and will have wide applications in aesthetic workings.