Glass Waste as a Valuable Additive (Raw Material) Used for Cement Mortars

The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of glass waste as a valuable additive in cement mortars. As part of this study, three mortars with different glass waste contents were designed with the addition of 10, 20, and 30% glass waste, as well as a reference mortar without the additive. The selected characteristics of the mixtures were determined, including the consistency, density, air content, and strength properties of the mortar. Strength tests (bending and compressive strength) were performed after 28 and 56 days of maturation. Mortars with the lowest waste content (MC10%) achieved flexural strength of 26% and compressive strength of 18% compared to the average value of standard mortar, whereas MC20% mortars showed a decrease in bending strength of 30% and compressive strength of 24%. Studies have also been conducted to determine the parameters of air trapped in the mortar microstructure and its possible impact on mortar durability in a freezing/thawing environment. A group of experimental studies involved microstructure studies aimed at assessing the changes that occur in mortars containing glass waste. The negative effects of glass waste on the compressive and bending strengths and the positive effect at low temperatures were clearly demonstrated.