Preliminary Investigation on the Performance of Glass Powder–Reinforced Concrete Columns Subjected to Cyclic Loading

Abstract

Incorporating sustainability into infrastructure projects is essential for environmental protection. Preliminary studies on concrete having a partial substitution of cement by 30% glass powder (GP) were carried out to verify the improvement in mechanical and durability characteristics. The enhanced stress–strain behavior of GP concrete cylinders under axial compression was analyzed. The increased strength of GP concrete was also confirmed by the formation of calcium silicate hydrate structure. It is a requirement to identify the performance of GP concrete in earthquake resistant construction of concrete structures. Thus, focusing on a cement reduction approach, the experimental study investigates the seismic performance of GP-reinforced concrete (RC) stubbed columns having square cross sections subjected to a combination of constant axial loading and reverse cyclic lateral loading. To verify the performance of GP columns, the longitudinal reinforcement ratios of 1.13%, 1.7%, and 2.01% were considered. The study aimed at the determination of peak lateral strength, hysteresis curves, energy dissipation potential, stiffness degradation, concrete strain profile, and failure pattern of RC columns. A comparison of the test parameters of the GP column with the counterpart column both having a reinforcement ratio of 2.01% was done. Improved ultimate load capacities in the GP columns at 10.47% than the control RC columns were observed. Lower energy dissipation in the GP column of 51.09% than in the normal column was evident from the hysteresis curves. GP specimens experience decreased strain values of 13.63% and 9.22% than the corresponding control specimen. The focus of the study lies in the accomplishment of an ecofriendly solution in India through waste recycling, which is a compelling issue existing in the country. A comprehensive experimental investigation was performed on the mechanical and durability aspects of glass powder (GP) concrete, and encouraging results were obtained. This resulted in exploring the present study to examine its seismic characteristics as well. Hence, the authors conducted an experimental study on half-scaled reinforced concrete columns containing GP by the combined application of axial and lateral loads for assessing the lateral strength, hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation capability, stiffness degradation, concrete strains, and failure pattern. To obtain more accurate results, the study considered heavily reinforced GP columns to capture the concrete behavior prior to steel yielding. Despite the increased strength results exhibited by the GP column, its slightly low ultimate displacement, low concrete strain values, small crack width, and decreased energy dissipation capacity compared to the normal specimen revealed the rigid nature of the GP specimen. To overcome the shortcomings, the addition of elastic materials like fibers or energy-absorbing cementing materials like ECC in the plastic hinge region can be promoted in the GP concrete. Partial replacement of cement with GP is a potential management solution for the locally originated waste glass in India.