Influence of Utilizing Glass Powder with Silica Fume on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Concrete

Document Type : Original research papers

Authors

Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Sinai University, El-Arish City, El-Arish Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from cement production and pollution from glass shards both contribute to critical environmental issues. To help in the elimination environmental issues, solid wastes like glass are used as a partial cement alternative. Glass powder is marked by an altitude level of silicon dioxide SiO2 in its chemical composition, which qualifies it as a pozzolanic material. Partial cement substitution with glass powder in silica fume concrete was explored, and the results have been compared to those of both conventional concrete and silica fume concrete. The proportions of partial substitution of cement in blended (silica fume and glass powder) concrete were 10%, 20% and 30%. A variety of characteristics, including workability, dry density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and microstructure, were used for evaluation the concrete mixes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) were used to investigate the microstructure of concrete samples. Experimental studies have manifested that replacement levels of glass powder 10, 20 and 30% enhance workability of concrete. Adding glass powder with 10% replacement level to silica fume concrete increases compressive strength by 14% compared to conventional concrete. Results of SEM micrographs and EDX analysis indicates that glass powder is promised to be an effective pozzolanic material.    

Keywords

Main Subjects