UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE                                                                        GRAPHICAL VERSION

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY UNIT

Use of Recycled Materials and Industrial By-Products in Concrete

 RECYCLED GLASS

Crushed recycled glass can be used as a complete fine aggregate replacement in concrete, whilst finely ground glass (powder) has pozzolanic properties and can be used as a Type II (pozzolanic) addition. Compared with Portland cement concrete at equal water/cement ratio, use of recycled glass as a Type II addition will lead to:

•lower heat of hydration
and use of recycled glass as fine aggregate will give:
•improved fresh properties
•better resistance to abrasion
•enhanced resistance against freeze/thaw attack.

1.85 million tonnes of glass cullet, derived from waste glass, are collected in the UK each year. The most effective method of reuse is to return it for new glass production. However, there is currently a surplus of cullet that needs to find alternative markets. Use of recycled glass as an aggregate or addition in concrete will contribute towards sustainable development by:

•encouraging recovery of container glass
•reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions
•reducing natural aggregate usage.

Download

1. Research Information Digest 2: Recycled Glass

2. Technology Application Document 2: Use of Recycled Glass in Concrete

<< TO TOP <<

For questions and comments, please E-MAIL

This page was last updated: 01/02/2005, Copyright © 2005 [University of Dundee], Disclaimer

Visitor number since 20 February 2003 is