Laboratory Study on Effect of Construction Wastes and Admixtures on Compressive Strength of Concrete

Construction demolition waste is generated in large quantities due to dismantling of obsolete structures and generally disposed off haphazardly damaging the environment. Concrete and glass wastes can be refined and used in production of concrete, thereby decreasing requirement of mining fresh aggregates. Utilization of these waste materials in concrete will help in preserving natural resources. This experimental study included determination of compressive strength of concrete containing processed and graded construction demolition waste and/or glass waste with or without additives. On addition of construction demolition waste aggregates obtained from stronger original concrete, 28-day compressive strength of concrete was at least equal to or better than that of control specimen. When fine aggregate was replaced with glass waste up to 30%, compressive strength improved. If both construction demolition waste aggregate and glass waste replacing fine aggregate were used, the compressive strength increased. When fine aggregate was replaced with glass waste including superplasticizer and fiber or silica fume, the compressive strength became better. But, if construction demolition waste aggregate and waste glass replacing fine aggregate including fiber or superplasticizer or superplasticizer fiber or alccofine were used, compressive strength deteriorated. The concrete produced by using construction demolition waste aggregates, glass waste fine aggregate and appropriate additives yielded improved compressive strength and can be used in construction work. Processed construction demolition waste obtained from stronger original concrete and glass waste can be used in concrete yielding improved compressive strength, thereby solving problem of waste disposal and protecting the environment.