Strength and Durability Properties of Self Compacting Concrete Made with Recycled Glass and Metakaolin

Abstract

The sustainable approach for infrastructure development is governed by long lasting durable structures prepared used minimal natural resources. Sustainable construction requires effective management and conservation of limited natural reserves. One such approach is to use discarded waste material to produce concrete structures, which can conserve scarce natural resources such as aggregates. These materials can be used to replace any of the fundamental constituent of the concrete. This study examines the application of metakaolin (MK) and crushed recycled glass (CRG) for development a durable self-compacting concrete (SCC). Utilization of these two materials for production of SCC is a green approach of construction practices as it tackles the problems like depletion of natural stone reserves and global carbon dioxide emission. The influence of metakaolin (MK) and crushed recycled glass (CRG) on the fresh, mechanical, microstructural, durability and microstructural properties of SCC was investigated. A total of 24 SCC mixtures were prepared with varying proportions of MK and CRG, where cement was partially replaced with 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% MK by weight, and fine aggregate was substituted with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% CRG by volume. Test results indicated that incorporating CRG improved the flowability of the fresh SCC mixes at all replacement levels. As the CRG content was increased in SCC, an increase in slump flow diameter and a decrease in T50 flow time was observed. However, the inclusion of MK increased the superplasticizer demand to maintain desirable flowability properties. The L-box and U-box tests showed that all SCC mixes exhibited good passing ability. The V-funnel flow times decreased with increase in CRG content; but increased as MK content was increased. Sieve segregation resistance test confirmed that the segregation ratio of all the mixtures was within the prescribed limit of 15% as per EFNARC standards. In terms of mechanical properties, a general decline in compressive strength, split