2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A

Every year, millions of tons of waste glass are generated globally, most of which ends up in landfills once it is no longer usable. This is problematic because glass, primarily made of silica, does not break down naturally in the environment. However, recycling crushed waste glass as a partial replacement for cement in concrete can enhance the sustainability, environmental benefits, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of construction projects.

When glass waste is ground into fine particles, it can react with cement to form secondary Calcium Silicate Hydrate, improving the material's properties. Research has also identified variations in the production processes of clear and colored glass. In experiments, ground glass was incorporated into mortar and concrete at levels of up to 25%, while the water content remained unchanged regardless of the glass substitution rate. The study assessed the workability and compressive strength of the resulting mixtures.