Unraveling the Strength and Enhanced Durability of Concrete Using Toughened Waste Glass Aggregate

Abstract

This study presents a method for identifying sustainable concrete that incorporates toughened waste glass aggregate (TWG). The study takes into account the physical and chemical properties of TWG as quality parameters. Initially, TWG was mechanically treated to produce cubical-shaped aggregates ranging from 6 to 10 mm. Based on their performance, TWG aggregates were selected for an experimental study to validate the methodology. Several tests were conducted to establish the workability, mechanical strength, durability, and microstructural properties of TWG concrete, aiming to examine its feasibility. The results indicated that TWG concrete exhibits favorable fresh and hardened properties, and durability characteristics that are comparable to those of conventional concrete. The compressive strength of TWG concrete at 28 days was 17.95% lower than that of conventional concrete. In parallel, the split tensile strength and flexural strength values of TWG concrete are lower than those of conventional concrete. Additionally, TWG concrete demonstrates lower water absorption and better resistance to rapid chloride ion penetration (RCPT) than conventional concrete. The obtained experimental results were supported by morphological studies, reinforcing the findings of the study. These findings indicated that TWG aggregates possess the necessary quality to be utilized as a construction material, thus presenting the potential for future use in the construction field.