Effect of Glass Powder in Fresh Cement Concrete: A Review

This study investigates the influence of partially substituting cement with glass powder on the properties of recycled concrete, focusing on aspects such as water absorption, permeability, strength, and workability. The use of glass powder as a cement replacement presents a promising avenue for enhancing the sustainability of concrete while maintaining or improving its performance characteristics. The findings indicate that incorporating glass powder significantly improves the durability of recycled concrete by reducing water absorption and permeability, thus enhancing its resistance to water-induced damage and promoting a longer service life. However, an increase in the proportion of glass powder leads to a reduction in workability, resulting in a stiffer mix that becomes more challenging to handle and place during construction. Despite this, an optimal balance can be achieved by replacing a moderate proportion of cement with glass powder, ensuring a desirable combination of durability and manageable workability. This study highlights the dual benefits of using glass powder in concrete production: it reduces the reliance on cement; thereby lowering the carbon footprint associated with its production, and provides a productive use for waste glass, addressing environmental concerns. The integration of glass powder into recycled concrete demonstrates the potential to create a more eco-friendly and sustainable construction material, paving the way for greener practices in the construction industry. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of construction activities while ensuring structural integrity and performance.