LCIVENGRMATS

DAC1042

WASTEGL
GROUPASINMET

LECTUR:ANHJDBOIM
MEBRS:
1. NURLFAHTBISK

A13024

2. NURLABIHDT.Z
3. NURAKIELFTHOBMDS
4. TSINORAZHWBM

A13089
A13025
A130749

CONTENT
LIST OF CONTENT
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Concept of sustainability
2.1 Concept of sustainable construction
2.2 Concept of sustainable construction materials

3.0 Potential waste as replacement for common construction

materials

4.0 Needs of replacing the aggregate that trigger the used of

the waste glass

5.0 Properties of waste glass

5.1 Production / recycling process of waste glass
5.2 Application of waste glass
5.3 Advantages and disadvantages of waste glass

6.0 Conclusion
7.0 References
8.0 Appendix

PAGE

1.0

INTRODUCTION

. But making cement means making pollution, in the form of carbon dioxide
emissions. Cement plants account for 5 percent of global emissions of carbon dioxide,
the main cause of global warming. Cement has no viable recycling potential; each new
road and each new building needs new cement
. Bricks production is one of the most environmentally damaging activities in the
constructions sector. The kilns tend to be highly inefficient, and use low-quality coal
with a high sulphur content. This leads to intense local air pollution, as well as a
significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions
Therefore, it is inevitable that construction materials have adverse effects on the
environment throughout their lifecycle from the raw materials acquisition through the
production process, the packaging and shipping, the installation and use, and the
ultimate resource recovery. The above two statements are examples of how the
construction industry can damage our environment. Indeed, each materials such as
aggregate, timber, steel and bitumen affects the environment in its own way.
There is a social trend in existence to make buildings and structures more
sustainable which is interpreted as both minimizing the inputs of resources and the
impact on the environment at all stages of use from original construction to eventual
removal and replacement. This broad intention is interpreted as the minimization of
energy and raw materials input and output of pollutants at the manufacturing stage,
over the life of the building or component and ultimately its recycling at the end of life
of the building. Significant sustainable efforts can be achieved through renewable or
recycled materials from industrial/ laboratory/ construction waste. Listed below are
some of waste materials that have potential to replace the common materials.

GLASS
Glass is define as essentially hard, brittle, inorganic and predominantly oxidic solid
that may be colorless or colored, and either clear or opaque due to the presence of impurities.
It is made by super cooling of a melt without crystallizing, has a short range (amorphous)
atomic order, and a structure consisting of an irregular, three-dimensional network composed
of certain atomic units (e.g., SiO4 tetrahedra) having large cations (e.g., calcium or sodium)
interspersed. Glass is available in almost any form including pastes, sheets, rods, pipes,
powders, solid and hollow-spheres, fibers, yarns, and filaments. Used for building blocks,
chemical equipment, laboratory ware, reinforcing fibers and microspheres for engineering
composites, lasers, optical equipment and instrument, and variety of other applications.
Glass is an ideal material for recycling. Over the past decade, waste glass
management has been a serious concern. Waste glass is 100 percent recyclable. It can be
melted down any number of times and processed to obtain new products. Compared with the
manufacture of new glass, waste glass recycling helps conserve raw material resources. Using
waste glass also reduces energy requirements (by an addition of about 0.2 to 0.3% per
percentage point of waste glass). Thus recycling waste glass is good for the environment, as it
protects the climate by cutting CO2 emissions and reduces the landfill space needed for waste.
Glass is usually recycled to produce receptacles (e.g. bottles and other containers for drinks
and foods) more than 3 million tonnes a year in Germany. Since the start of waste glass
collections in the early 1970s the proportion of waste glass used in glass manufacture has
steadily increased until it now stands at up to nearly 90%.
The use of waste glass as aggregate for concrete has been attempted decades ago.
Furthermore, waste glass could utilize in concrete, roadbeds, pavement, as well as backfill or
landscaping purpose. Those early efforts were thwarted by the problem of alkali-silica
reaction (ASR), which was not well understood then. Therefore, a high priority was assigned
to gaining such an understanding. It was also expected that the glass aggregate would affect
the mechanical properties of the concrete. For example, it is known that the concrete strength
is typically controlled by the bond strength between cement matrix and aggregate. If natural
aggregate with relatively rough surfaces is replaced by crushed glass particles with relatively
smooth surfaces, one would expect a drop in strength and in particular a reduction of an
already low ductility. Finally, it was recognized early on that glass concrete is basically a new
material that requires the development of appropriate production technologies.

2.0

CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is one of the worlds most talked about but least understood words.
Its meaning is often clouded by differing interpretations and by a tendency for the subject to
be treated superficially. For most companies, countries and individuals who do take the
subject seriously the concept of sustainability embraces the preservation of the environment
as well as critical development-related issues such as the efficient use of resources, continual
social progress, stable economic growth, and the eradication of poverty.
In the world of construction, buildings have the capacity to make a major contribution
to a more sustainable future for our planet. The OECD, for instance, estimates that buildings
in developed countries account for more than forty percent of energy consumption over their
lifetime (incorporating raw material production, construction, operation, maintenance and
decommissioning). Add to this the fact that for the first time in human history over half of the
worlds population now lives in urban environments and its clear that sustainable buildings
have become vital cornerstones for securing long-term environmental, economic and social
viability.
The pace of change means we dont have the luxury of time. With urban populations
worldwide swelling by around one million people every week, theres an urgent need to come
up with clever ideas that optimize the sustainable performance of the buildings that we live
and work in.

2.1

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Sustainable construction aims to meet present day needs for housing, working

environments and infrastructure without compromising the ability of future generations to

meet their own needs in times to come. It incorporates elements of economic efficiency,
environmental performance and social responsibility and contributes to the greatest extent
when architectural quality, technical innovation and transferability are included.
Sustainable construction involves issues such as the design and management of
buildings; materials performance; construction technology and processes; energy and
resource efficiency in building, operation and maintenance; robust products and technologies;
long-term monitoring; socially-viable environments; stakeholder participation; occupational
health and safety and working conditions; innovative financing models; interdependencies of
landscape, infrastructure, urban fabric and architecture; flexibility in building use; and the
dissemination of knowledge in related academic, technical and social contexts.
While standard building practices are guided by short term economic considerations,
sustainable construction is based on best practices which emphasize long term affordability,
quality and efficiency. At each stage of the life cycle of the building, it increases comfort and
quality of life, while decreasing negative environmental impacts and increasing the economic
sustainability of the project. A building designed and constructed in a sustainable way
minimizes the use of water, raw materials, energy, and land over the whole life cycle of the
building.
Sustainable construction also helps achieve gains in human health, prosperity and
better quality of life. Below is what the construction industry can contribute to the
achievement of sustainable development by:

being more profitable and competitive;

delivering buildings and structures that provide greater satisfaction, well-being and
value to customers and users;

respecting and treating its stakeholders more fairly;

enhancing and better protecting the natural environment;

minimizing its consumption of energy (especially carbon-based energy) and natural

resources.

2.2

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

As global populations increase, so will the need for accommodation too. However,
current mainstream building methods are unsustainable, producing large amounts of CO2 both
during construction and throughout a buildings life. Thankfully, sustainability is becoming a
priority for developers, and with many exciting innovations happening in the construction
industry, sustainably addressing global accommodation needs seems possible.
Using green building materials and products promotes conservation of dwindling nonrenewable resources internationally. In addition, integrating green building materials into
building projects can help reduce the environmental impacts associated with the extraction,
transport, processing, fabrication, installation, reuse, recycling, and disposal of these building
industry source materials.
These are the examples of sustainable construction materials used in construction
today.
1.

Wool Bricks

Developed by Spanish and Scottish researchers with an aim to obtain a composite

that was more sustainable, non-toxic, using abundant local materials that would mechanically
improve the bricks strength, these wool bricks are exactly what the name suggests. Simply
by adding wool and a natural polymer found in seaweed to the clay of the brick, the brick is
37% stronger than other bricks, and more resistant to the cold wet climate often found in
Britain. They also dry hard, reducing the embodied energy as they dont need to be fired like
traditional bricks.

2.

Solar Tiles

Traditional roof tiles are either mined from the ground or set from concrete or clay
all energy intensive methods. Once installed, they exist to simply protect a building from the
elements despite the fact that they spend a large portion of the day absorbing energy from the
sun. With this in mind, many companies are now developing solar tiles. Unlike most solar
units which are fixed on top of existing roofing, solar tiles are fully integrated into the
building, protecting it from the weather and generating power for its inhabitants.
3.

Sustainable Concrete

Whilst 95% of a buildings CO 2 emissions are a result of the energy consumed during
its life, there is much that can be done to reduce that 5% associated with construction.
Concrete is an ideal place to start, partly because almost every building uses it, but mostly
due to the fact that concrete is responsible for a staggering 7-10% of global CO 2 emissions.
More sustainable forms of concrete exist that use recycled materials in the mix. Crushed glass
can be added, as can wood chips or slag a by product of steel manufacturing. Whilst these
changes arent radically transforming concrete, by simply using a material that would have
otherwise gone to waste, the CO2 emissions associated with concrete are reduced.

4.

Paper Insulation

Made from recycled newspapers and cardboard, paper-based insulation is a superior

alternative to chemical foams. Both insect resistant and fire-retardant thanks to the inclusion
of borax, boric acid, and calcium carbonate (all completely natural materials that have no
associations with health problems), paper insulation can be blown into cavity walls, filling
every crack and creating an almost draft-free space.
5.

Triple-Glazed Windows

In fact, super-efficient windows would better describe this particular building

material. The three layers of glass do a better job of stopping heat from leaving the building,
with fully insulated window frames further contributing. In most double-glazed windows, the
gas argon is injected between each layer of glass to aid insulation, but in these super-efficient
windows, krypton a better, but more expensive insulator is used. In addition to this, lowemissivity coatings are applied to the glass, further preventing heat from escaping.
Overall, a building that combined all five of these methods would be an admirably
sustainable option for housing. Whilst the construction industry tends to progress at a slow
pace, the importance of sustainability is a high profile issue, and one which is only likely to
increase. With sustainable building materials already fully developed, it is now up to
consumers to actively demand their use and building developers to respond promptly.

POTENTIAL OF WASTE GLASS

A.

Glass recycling helps the environment

The amount of energy needed to melt recycled glass is considerably less than that needed to
melt raw materials to make new bottles and jars. Recycling one bottle can save enough
energy to power a television set for one and a half hours.
B.

Glass recycling reduces CO2 emissions

Not only does glass save energy by using recycled glass, but each 1000 tonnes of recycled
glass that we melt saves 314 tonnes of CO2 per.
C.

Glass recycling conserves the landscape

Using recycled glass in furnaces saves hundreds of thousands of tonnes of primary raw
materials each year. This reduces the need for quarrying raw materials and conserves the
countryside.
D.

Glass recycling reduces landfill

Every tonnes of glass recycled extends the life of our increasingly scarce landfill sites and
conserves the British countryside.
E.

Glass recycling cuts waste disposal costs

In terms of weight, glass makes up about 8% of the household waste stream. Any increase in
the amount of glass recycled means savings on waste collection and disposal costs, which are
increasing due to landfill tax.
F.

Glass recycling increases public awareness of the benefits of recycling

Every individual can play an active part in conservation by simply supporting glass recycling.
This is the first step to becoming an environmentally active consumer.

3.0

Potential waste as replacement for common construction materials

CEMENT:
PULVERISED FUEL ASH
Fly ash, also known as pulverised fuel ash (PFA) is the ash resulting from the burning

of pulverised coal in coal-fired electricity power stations. The ash is very fine and it is
removed from the flue gases by electrostatic precipitators. The potential of PFA is reducing
the overall CO2 footprint of the concrete. When PFA is used in concrete environmental
savings can equate to 20% reduction in overall CO2 emissions for 30% Fly Ash content
(based on mixes designed with equal 28 day strengths). Then, PFA also improved surface
finish of the completed structure. It contributes to producing a more cohesive concrete which
has a reduced rate of bleeding making it easier to compact and giving the concrete better
pumping properties. Reduces permeability, shrinkage, creep and gives greater resistance to
chloride ingress and sulphate attack. Pozzolans such as PFA react with lime (alkali calcium
hydroxide produced by cement hydrating) to form stable calcium silicates and calcium
aluminate hydrates.
These fill the voids in the concrete and remove some of the lime which reduces the
permeability of the concrete. PFA can improves long term strength, performance and
durability. The Fly Ash reaction with lime also improves the strength, durability, chloride and
sulphate resistance of the concrete. Other than that, it also minimises risk of Alkali Silica
reaction. Alkali Silica reaction is significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated, with the
use of more than 25% of PFA. This is due to the fact that PFA readily reacts with sodium and
potassium alkalis within the concrete. Lastly, PFA reduces the temperature rise in thick
sections with the addition of less cement in a concrete mix the heat that is produced through
hydration is greatly reduced.

GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is a by-product from the blast-furnaces
used to make iron.

Blast-furnaces are

fed with controlled

mixture of iron-

ore,

limestone,

coke

operated
about

and
at

temperature

and
of

1,500C.

The molten slag is

lighter and floats

on the top of the

molten iron. The

molten

slag

comprises mostly silicates and alumina from the original iron ore, combined with some
oxides from the limestone. The advantage of ground granulated blast furnace is durability.
GGBS has now effectively replaced sulphate-resisting Portland cement (SRPC) on the market
for sulphate resistance because of its superior performance and greatly reduced cost
compared to SRPC.
BFC is more resistant against sulphate attack than Portland cement (OPC) and
sulphate resistant cement (SRC). Next advantage is strength. Concrete containing GGBS
cement has a higher ultimate strength than concrete made with Portland cement. It has a
higher proportion of the strength-enhancing calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) than concrete
made with Portland cement only, and a reduced content of free lime, which does not
contribute to concrete strength. Sustainability also one of the advantage of GGBS. Can be
used for superstructure in addition to the cases where the concrete is in contact with chlorides
and sulphates. This is provided that the slower setting time for casting of the superstructure is
justified.

CONDENSED SILICA FUME

Silica fume (SF) is a by-product of the smelting process in the silicon and ferrosilicon
industry. The reduction of high-purity quartz to silicon at temperatures up to 2,000_C
produces SiO2 vapors, which oxidizes and condense in the low temperature zone to tiny
particles consisting of non-crystalline silica.

RICE HUSK ASH

The outermost layer of the paddy grain is the rice husk, also called rice hull. It is
separated from the brown rice in rice milling. Burning rice husk produced rice husk
ash (RHA), if the burning process is incomplete carbonized rice husk (CRH) is produced.

AGGREGATE:
CERAMIC
A ceramic is an inorganic non-metallic solid made up of either metal or nonmetal compounds that have been shaped and then hardened by heating to high temperatures.
In general, they are hard, corrosion-resistant and brittle. Ceramic has low density. It used to
create low value products and most residual is sent to landfills for disposal. This ceramic
production method uses these residuals to create ceramics, including insulating firebrick with
significantly less environmental emissions than current production methods.
The advantage of ceramic is water resistance. Glazed ceramic flooring tiles have a
protective layer that rests over the material, making them impervious to water and stain
penetration. They are also naturally resistant to the ravages of high humidity conditions.
These properties makes them ideal for use in moist environments such as bathrooms or
kitchens. The ceramic also have simple maintenance. Ceramic flooring is fairly easy to care
for. Dirt, stains, and liquids all rest on the surface, allowing you to easily wipe or mop them
away. Regular maintenance just consists of sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush
attachment to keep the floor free of dirt and loose debris. If set in stains do occur you can use
most heavy duty cleaners without having to worry about damaging the material.

TESTED CONCRETE CUBE

The concrete cube test is a simple, inexpensive test of the compressive strength of
concrete, providing you peace of mind that your concrete is fit for purpose and in line
with BS EN 12390. Samples are taken from the concrete as it is cast into the structure, cured
under standard conditions and crushed to determine the maximum compressive strength.
Concrete cube testing is the main compliance test for concrete and is also a requirement of
BSI kite marking. Cubes come in mainly two sizes 100mm and 150mm, 100mm are more
common for continuous testing and more easily storable. Cube testing is now a common
operation for all concrete suppliers not only does it tell you if your concrete is ok but with
enough information it can help alter mixes which will save money

BRICK:
MANSORY RUBBLE
Rubble masonry, also called rubblework.

In this type of constructions stones of

irregular sizes and shapes are used. To remove sharp shapes they may be hammered. The
rubble masonry may be coursed or uncoursed . In uncoursed rubble masonry the wall is
brought to level at every 300 mm to 500 mm. The mortar consumed in these construction is
more. Course rubble masonry is used for the construction of public and residential buildings.
Uncoursed rubble masonry is used for the construction of foundations, compound walls,
garages, labour quarters. A skilled mason may arrange the facing stones in polygonal
shapes to improve the aesthetic of the wall.

BROKEN BRICK
Broken brick pieces are large inorganic chunks that are ideal to provide support for
orchids grown in large vanda baskets. Broken brick is popular in wet climates for its modest
moisture retention properties. Broken brick can be used to provide weight in the bottom of a
pot, and to aid drainage in much the same way that chards of broken clay pots would be. For
terrestrial orchids, layer peat, coir or soil-less mix on top of broken brick for drainage.
The advantage of using a broken brick as replacement is broken bricks are cheap.
These will range in cost from about $5 - $10 per square foot, depending on the specific type
of material you choose. In some cases you may also be able to find bargain basement
materials at as low as $3 per square foot. It is also important to note that this is the price per
square foot, not per piece.

TIMBER:
POTENTIAL OF TIMBER PILING
The timber pile is probably the oldest pile foundation method and has been used for
many centuries. In some countries, and for particular applications, timber piles are still a costeffective solution. A Timber Pile is used to dry boards for more demanding building projects.
The pile need to be placed well away from other objects to reduce the risk of mold
growth. The benefit of timber piling is economical. On account of their elasticity timber
piles can be recommended for sites where piles are likely to the subjected to unusual lateral
forces. As timber is an elastic materials, it can be used in places where there is a possibility of
side friction. They can be driven rapidly and as such there is great saving in time in execution
of piling work.

GYPSUM DRYWALL
Gypsum drywall is the name for a family of panel-type products consisting of a non
combustible core, primarily of gypsum, with a paper surfacing on the face, back, and long
edges. Gypsum drywall is often called board, wallboard, or plasterboard and differs from
products such as plywood, hardboard, and fibreboard, because of its non combustible core. It
is designed to provide a monolithic surface when joints and fastener heads are covered with a
joint treatment system.
The potential of gypsum is flexibility in terms of modifications and refurbishment at
some point in time. Superior acoustics performance in terms of insulation with insulation
rating upto 74 dB. The gypsum is lighter. Light weight systems 8 to 10 times lighter than
conventional systems like Brick / Block work.

STEEL:
STEEL WASTE
Steel waste is the primary raw material in our companys activities. It covers the
largest proportion of mass in the processing of secondary raw materials. The steel waste
Provides consistent material quality; because it is produced in strict accordance with national
standards, there is no regional variance in quality. It also provides for straight walls, square
corners, and allows doors to open and close properly. Other than that, steel waste is slower
aging process with less maintenance. The fire parapets can be eliminated. Lastly, the fire
resistant does not burn and will not contribute fuel to the spread of fire.

4.1 Needs of replacing the aggregate that trigger the used of the waste glass
Why needs to replace the existing material which is aggregate with an alternative
material which is waste glass?
First of all, waste glass has basically zero water absorption compare to the aggregates.
It is one of the most durable materials known to man. It is also with the current emphasis on
durability of high-performance concrete and is only natural to rely on extremely durable
ingredients. Furthermore, the excellent hardness of glass gives the concrete an abrasion
resistance that can be reached only with few natural stone aggregates.
In addition, for a number of reasons, waste glass improves the flow properties of fresh
concrete so that very high strength can be obtained even without the use of super plasticizers
compare to stone. Not just that, the aesthetic potential of color-sorted post-consumer glass,
not to mention speciality glass, has barely been explored at all and offers numerous novel
applications for design professionals.
Last but not least, the speciality of waste glass compare to the stone aggregate is
waste glass aggregate very finely glass ground that has pozzolanic properties and therefore
can serve both as partial cement replacement and filter.

5.0

PROPERTIES OF WASTE GLASS

The glass is characterized by isotropy and high viscosity in all the phases of its
production and the processes of its melting and hardening are reversible. The glass is
produced by rapid cooling of melts of certain oxides or mixtures thereof. All glasses are
amorphous non organic materials produced by melting and cooling without crystallization.
They are corrosion resistant.
Glass waste is usually made up of glassware, bulbs, bottles and other items. The
ingredients of glass are very pure and glass is initially created from soda ash, limestone or
sand and is formed into a variety of colors. Glass is easily broken and can both contaminate
other recyclable materials and is a hazard to the people who sort the recyclables.

5.1

PRODUCTION OF WASTE GLASS

First of all, the glass is separated if necessary by depending on the end

use. Recycling glass commonly includes separating it into different colors. Once
glass is colored with a coloring agent, the color cannot be removed. Therefore,
colored glass can only be recycled into glass of the original color. First, colored
glass is separated into color to be recycled or if left combined, the glass can be
recycled and reused into fiberglass or an ingredient that is used in concrete.
Next, metal and other contaminates are removed which is metal and
plastic lids are removed. Then, glass is crushed and made into cullet later. Cullet
is melted down.

Conveniently, any paper left on the glass is burned off.

Recycled cullet is processed at a lower temperature than new glass so

substantial comparative energy savings are achieved by recycling glass.
Lastly, the glass will be mold and shape. The melted glass is poured into
molds and/or shaped for the end product.

8.0

APPENDIX

RECYCLING PROCESS OF WASTE GLASS

Color sorted

Collection

Crushing

Metal and paper removal

Sieving Glass fragments

Removal of wrong colors and

other impurities

Glass Bottles, Jars

Figure 1 : Typical waste glass recycling flow sheet

ISSUES OF RECYCLING WASTE GLASS

The major factor influencing the reuse of waste glass is the market demand. Thus,
recycling markets are difficult to expand if no economics motivations to subsidize.
Furthermore, we have considered the entire benefit to society of recycling.
Differences in color may also cause market demand problems. Glass containers are
suitable for waste glass reusing. According to the US Glass Packaging Institute estimates that
has roughly divided containers into three colors, such as brown, green and clear glass.
Recycling glass by color helps manufactures to ensure the quality of new containers.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RECYCLING WASTE GLASS
Recycling waste glass to produce new container increases energy savings than starting
with raw materials. Melting sand, soda, and limestone at temperature of between 1200 and
1500 degrees Celsius traditionally produces new glass. However, recycled waste glass melt at
lower temperatures, furnaces arent required to operate at the higher levels, thus prolonging
furnace life. Figure 1 shows the flow chart of the waste glass recycling process.
Recycling of waste glass can conserve the natural resource. In the past few years, the
increased use of waste glass from solid wastes helps the community economically and
ecologically. The contents of waste glass recycling initiative including the following:

Reduction of the usage of natural resources.

Reduces total energy consumption by 25-32 percent.

Reduces solid wastes by 75 percent.

Reduces water pollutant production by 50 percent.

5.2

APPLICATION OF WASTE GLASS

The application of waste glass in the industry these days are so many. One of it is in
construction aggregate. In construction aggregate, waste glass used as base course for roads,
land drains and backfill. Waste glass is also used in decorative as a concrete.
Moreover, waste glass also can be applied as constituent in concrete and as asphalt.
Waste glass can be apply in abrasive replacing silica sand, steel shot/grit, chilled iron, garnet,
glass beads, copper and nickel slag, olivine and aluminium oxide. Not just that, waste glass
also can be applied as adsorbent and caution exchange material and as filtration medium
replacing silica sand and anthracite.
In addition, waste glass also being applied as flux/binder in ceramics and bricks. Next,
waste glass also used as fractionator for matches and ammunition. As additive and flux in
metal foundry work, waste glass can be applied replacing high quality silica sand. Besides,
waste glass can also be applied as filter in paint and plastic. Not to be forgetting, waste glass
also can be applied as hydroponic rooting medium.

REVIEW OF CURRENT AND POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE

USES OF WASTE GLASS
Table 1 : Summary of main alternative uses of waste glass (excluding remelting )
POTENTIAL
PRODUCTS TO
DISADVANTAGES OF
APPLICATION
BE REPLACED
RECYCLED GLASS
PRODUCT
Construction
Crushed rock Similar or lower cost.
Engineering specifications can
aggregate
aggregate
Resistant to load under be material specific.
e.g. base course
compression and impact.
Other recycled materials (e.g.
for roads, land
Good drainage properties.
construction waste ) available.
drains, backfill
Decorative
in Crushed
rock Decorative colors plus factors Impurities such as organics
concrete
aggregate/gravel
given above.
(sugars, labels)
inorganics (Al rings, steel
caps).
Perception of cut potential.
Constituent in Crushed
rock Low cost and decorative color. Can cause reduction in
concrete
aggregate/gravel.
Finely ground glass suppresses mechanical strength due to
Partial replacement alkali silica reactivity.
alkali silica reaction (ASR).
Portland
cement
and
pozzolands
such as fly ash
Glasphalt
Crushed
rock Similar or lower cost.
Glass can be de-bonded from
aggregate
Enhanced night visibility.
the surface.
Lower bulk density.
Glass particles could cause cuts
and tyre damage.
Increased glare.
Abrasive
Silica sand, steel Competitively priced.
None identified.
shot/grit,
chilled Effective performance with
iron, garnet, glass angular particles.
beads, copper and Improve safety glass contains
nickel slag, olivine, no crystalline heavy metal
aluminium oxide
content.
Filtration
Silica sand and Low cost.
Local health regulators need to
medium
anthracite
Resists bacterial growth.
approve its use.
Flux/binder in Mineral
fluxes Low softening temperature.
None identified.
ceramics
and such as clays
Reduced firing time and fuel
bricks
consumption.
Filter in paint Clay,
carbonates High value product
Requires expensive processing
and plastic
etc.
fine grinding.
USES OF GLASS IN CONCRETE
POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES
OF RECYCLED GLASS
PRODUCT

What makes glass such a special ingredient for concrete becomes apparent by summarizing
its special properties:
Because it has basically zero water absorption, it is one of the most durable materials
known to man. With the current emphasis on durability of high-performance concrete,
it is only natural to rely on extremely durable ingredients.

The excellent hardness of glass gives the concrete an abrasion resistance that can be
reached only with few natural stone aggregates.

For a number of reasons, glass aggregate improves the flow properties of fresh
concrete so that very high strength can be obtained even without the use of super
plasticizers.

The esthetic potential of color-sorted post-consumer glass, not to mention specialty

glass, has barely been explored at all and offers numerous novel applications for
design professionals.

Very finely ground glass has pozzolanic properties and therefore can serve both as
partial cement replacement and filter.

Below, some of the glass concrete products are listed that are at various stages of
development:

Concrete Masonry Block Unit

Paving Stone

Faade Element with Exposed Aggregate

Terrazzo Tiles

Architectural Concrete Block

Decorative Applications
5.3

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WASTE GLASS

There are many advantages and disadvantages of waste glass. When waste glass used
as construction aggregate, the advantages of it are similar or lower cost, resistant to load
under compression and impact and also good drainage properties. But the disadvantages of it
is engineering specifications can be material specific. Furthermore, it also has decorative
color and finely ground glass suppresses alkali silica reactivity when applied as constituent in
concrete but can cause reduction in mechanical strength due to alkali silica reaction.
Waste glass can be used as asphalt. Its advantages are enhanced night visibility and
lower bulk density but the disadvantages of glass, it can be de-bonded from the surface and
glass particles could cause cuts and tyre damage. In addition, waste glass also can be applied
as abrasive. Its advantages are competitively priced, effective performance with angular
particles and improve safety because glass contains no crystalline heavy metal content.
Waste glass does not become sticky when wet when being applied as adsorbent and
caution exchange material but no commercial production facility to date will be the
disadvantages of it. Waste glass also can resist bacterial growth but local health regulators
need to approve its use when being applied as filtration medium. The advantages of waste
glass when being used as flux/binder in ceramics and bricks are it can low softening
temperature and reducing firing tie and fuel consumption.
Waste glass also predictable product purity and high value product but requires
expensive but requires expensive processing. Last but not least, waste glass is free flowing
and easily sterilised when being applied as hydroponic rooting medium but the disadvantage
of it is can cause cuts when handled without gloves.

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CONCLUSION

Concrete is a marvelous construction material. It can be very durable, is wonderfully

moldable, and adaptable to myriad applications, its ingredients are readily available and
inexpensive. We have the technical knowhow to engineer its mechanical and other properties
to fulfill almost any set of reasonable specifications. Concrete is also an excellent medium to
recycle solid waste, which is welcome news to municipalities that are hard-pressed by the
scarcity or suitable landfills.
The recycling and reuse of glass is a subject that have receive a great deal of interest
over the recent past. Certainly when the recycled glass can be monitored and its composition
controlled it provides a valuable feedstock for the glass container industry. When moving to
look at recycled glass which has less well controlled composition, its still possible to see
several useful and valuable applications, from construction materials to sand traps for golf
courses.

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REFERRENCES

BOOKS

Fix, A. (2008). Glass. Oxford : Heinemann Library.

Hussain, N. S. (2010). Glass science and its applications . Trans Tech Publications.
Ravindra K Dhir, M. C. (2001). Recycling And Reuse Of GLASS CULLET. London:
Thomas Telford Publishing.
Weller, B. (2009). Glass in building : principles, applications, examples. Basel :
Birkhauser.

WEBSITES
Glass Recycling
http://www.wastecare.com/Articles/Glass_Recycling.htm
Waste-Glass Recycling Plant
http://trims.co.jp/english/plant/