Experimental investigation of strength, drying shrinkage, freeze and thaw and fire attack properties of concrete mixes with beverage glass waste as fine aggregate

The current study examines the role of waste glass in concrete mixes to achieve optimum performance. In order to obtain the best incorporation percentage of waste glass, river sand is replaced by volume with waste glass at different substitution levels (18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23% and 24%). Performance evaluation of the formed composite was carried out by testing its drying shrinkage, resistance to freeze and thaw damage and behaviour when exposed to fire. The results show that the lower water absorption of waste glass inhibits the discharge of energy during hydration process thus attributed to lower drying shrinkage. Additionally, increase in apparent density also protects the strength of waste glass concrete when exposed to freezing and thawing cycles. Apart from this, the formed composites were also subjected to fire exposure where temperature varies between 200 C and 800 C. To verify fire attack on these produced composites, the change in weight and compressive strength tests were executed. The outcomes indicate that compressive strength increases up to 400 C for all waste glass incorporated concrete mixes which is associated with development of reduced pore pressure due to low water absorption of waste glass. Characterization analysis of the fire attacked composites was also implemented by conducting X-ray diffraction, Thermo gravimetric analysis and Differential scanning calorimetry tests. Hence, usage of waste glass is confined up to 21%, inhibits substantial drop in functioning under such conditions. Thus, it will minimize the dependency of river sand to produce concrete for non-structural components.