Preliminary Investigation on the Performance of Glass Powder–Reinforced Concrete Columns Subjected to Cyclic Loading

Incorporating sustainability into infrastructure projects is essential for environmental protection. Preliminary studies on concrete having a partial substitution of cement by 30% glass powder (GP) were carried out to verify the improvement in mechanical and durability characteristics. The enhanced stress–strain behavior of GP concrete cylinders under axial compression was analyzed. The increased strength of GP concrete was also confirmed by the formation of calcium silicate hydrate structure. It is a requirement to identify the performance of GP concrete in earthquake resistant construction of concrete structures. Thus, focusing on a cement reduction approach, the experimental study investigates the seismic performance of GP-reinforced concrete (RC) stubbed columns having square cross sections subjected to a combination of constant axial loading and reverse cyclic lateral loading. To verify the performance of GP columns, the longitudinal reinforcement ratios of 1.13%, 1.7%, and 2.01% were considered. The study aimed at the determination of peak lateral strength, hysteresis curves, energy dissipation potential, stiffness degradation, concrete strain profile, and failure pattern of RC columns. A comparison of the test parameters of the GP column with the counterpart column both having a reinforcement ratio of 2.01% was done. Improved ultimate load capacities in the GP columns at 10.47% than the control RC columns were observed. Lower energy dissipation in the GP column of 51.09% than in the normal column was evident from the hysteresis curves. GP specimens experience decreased strain values of 13.63% and 9.22% than the corresponding control specimen.