Abstract:
The global concern of solid waste management has led to an urgent need for innovative
solutions. Among these challenges is the substantial presence of post-consumer glass waste in
solid waste streams, causing environmental issues and posing recycling dilemmas. The
accumulation of glass waste exacerbates environmental problems, necessitating effective
strategies for waste reduction and resource conservation. An intriguing avenue to address waste
management challenges while conserving natural resources is the incorporation of waste glass
as a substitute for fine aggregate in masonry blocks. To investigate the viability of this solution,
a comprehensive experimental study was undertaken. The study primarily focused on utilising
industrial waste glass as a replacement for fine aggregate in masonry block production. The
experimental setup encompassed an array of tests, including the evaluation of compressive
strength, water absorption, moisture content, spray erosion resistance, and the determination of
dry, wet, and bulk densities of the masonry blocks. Four distinct concrete mix designs were
formulated, with varying proportions of M/sand being replaced by a combination of glass waste
and quarry dust. The results revealed that the mix design substituting 25% of M/sand with glass
waste exhibited remarkable performance across multiple parameters. This particular mix
design demonstrated enhanced compressive strength, improved water absorption
characteristics, optimal moisture content levels, and excellent spray erosion resistance.
Notably, the performance of this mix surpassed that of the controlled mix, emphasising the
potential of waste glass as a sustainable alternative in masonry block production. Additionally,
panel testing was conducted to assess the structural integrity of the masonry blocks with the
highest compressive strength mix design. This testing confirmed the exceptional performance
of the mix designs, showcasing results that exceeded the requirements stipulated in relevant
codes.
In conclusion, the incorporation of waste glass as a substitute for fine aggregate in masonry
blocks presents a promising avenue for sustainable waste management and resource
conservation. The findings from this comprehensive study underscore the viability of this
approach, emphasising the potential to mitigate waste accumulation while enhancing the
performance of masonry block structures.
