Effect of Combined Replacement of Cement and Sand with Glass Powder on Compressive Strength and Physical Properties of Mortar
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Abstract
The objective of this research is to study the potential of reutilizing waste glass. The study examines the effects of the combined replacement of cement with fine glass powder (GPF) and sand with coarse glass powder (GPC) in proportions of 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent by weight on the compressive strength and physical properties of mortar. The results of the study indicated that the flow and density of the mortar tended to decrease with the increase of glass replacement levels due to the increased specific surface area of the glass powder particles, leading to a higher water demand to lubricate the particle surfaces. However, the replacement of cement with 5 percent GPF combined with the replacement of sand 5 percent GPC yielded the highest compressive strength of 35.21 MPa at 28 days. Additionally, this mixture exhibited the lowest porosity and water absorption values of 3.85 percent and 1.60 percent. Microstructural analysis revealed that GPF acted as a filler material, resulting in a denser structure, whereas excessive GPC content negatively affected compressive strength due to its angular particles hindering aggregate packing. In conclusion, the most appropriate mortar ratio is the replacement of cement with 5 percent GPF combined with the replacement of sand with 5 percent GPC, which helps reduce waste glass quantity and is environmentally friendly.
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