Strength and durability characteristics of mortar containing fine glass powders as partial substitute of cement

A recent trend in construction involves the application of high-strength mortar which consumes a high quantity of cement. The present study aims at producing a sustainable mortar utilising waste glass powders (GP) as a partial substitute for cement in mortar. GP grains having different particle sizes in equal proportions were carried out in the mortar mix for improved packing. After realising the cementing properties of GP particles from the microanalyses like micron-size, silica-rich, reactive, and thermal resistance, mechanical and durability aspects of the mortar composite with manufactured sand as a fine aggregate were examined. The mechanical properties of the mortar composite were assessed by mortar cube compressive strength with GP substitution rates at 5 % to 30 %, in steps of 5 %. The durability characteristics were investigated by the resistance of mortar specimens to hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4) attacks after 56 days of immersion in the corresponding acid solutions. Results showed a marginal increase in the strength of GP mortar compared to pure cement mortar at 10 % GP substitution and its increased pozzolanic activity was confirmed by strength activity index and microstructure analysis. Improved resistance of the GP mortars to acid attacks indicated its superior durability properties. Thus, GP is a viable partial alternative for cement in implementing a sustainable construction practice.