An Investigation into Sustainable Concrete Production Using Glass Powder and Sawdust as Fine Aggregate Substitutes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63313/FE.2009Keywords:
Sustainable concrete, Glass powder, Sawdust, Fine aggregate, Compressive strengthAbstract
The construction industry faces significant environmental challenges due to the over-extraction of natural sand and the accumulation of industrial waste. To address this, this study investigates the partial replacement of fine aggregates in concrete with two industrial byproducts: glass powder (GP) and sawdust (SD). The research aims to mitigate ecological damage by diverting these materials from landfills, with a specific focus on replacing 35% of the natural sand volume in its optimal mix. The experimental program involved creating four concrete mixes with a constant 5% SD replacement and varying GP contents of 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume of fine aggregates. These were compared to a conventional control mix. Results demonstrated that the combination of 30% GP and 5% SD yielded the most favorable balance, achieving 85% of the control's compressive strength (25.7 MPa) while improving workability and reducing density by 7%. The increased GP content enhanced the matrix density through pozzolanic reactions, counteracting the porosity introduced by the sawdust. In conclusion, the integration of 30% glass powder and 5% sawdust as a replacement for fine aggregates is technically viable for producing sustainable concrete. This optimal mix not only delivers adequate mechanical properties for non-structural applications but also offers substantial environmental and economic benefits, including reduced raw material consumption and lower CO₂ emissions. Thus, this approach presents a promising pathway towards a more circular economy in the construction sector.
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