Waste glass powder in cement: macro and micro scale study

Illustrating the important potential role of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in concrete durability research, the aim of this study is to observe the effect of glass powder in mortar exposed to concentrated sodium sulfate and alkali solution. Mortar is produced with ordinary Portland cement and with partial cement replacement by glass powder and also silica fume. The work also encompasses a wider range of analysis on the effect of waste glass powder, including alkali-silica reaction, sulfate attack, chloride ion penetration resistance, absorption by capillarity and accelerated carbonation. This holistic study corroborates that glass powder as a partial replacement material is a waste material that contributes to sustainability in construction. Enhanced durability results are obtained, thus confirming that waste glass powder can further contribute to sustainability in construction.