Recycling glass waste in concrete: Exploring sustainable aggregates for improving material performance and environmental protection

Abstract

The accumulation of glass waste has become a significant environmental concern worldwide, with millions of tons of glass discarded annually. Although glass is 100% recyclable, a substantial proportion still ends up in landfills due to inefficient collection systems, high processing costs, or limited market demand for recycled glass. In recent years, researchers and environmental policymakers have intensified efforts to identify alternative applications for this inert but non-biodegradable material, particularly in the construction field, where high material volumes and ecological responsibility intersect. With increasing environmental pressures and the urgent need to reduce industrial waste, the reuse of glass waste in concrete production has emerged as a sustainable alternative in the construction sector. Among these emerging approaches, the use of crushed glass as an aggregate in concrete has gained notable attention. Various international studies have explored the mechanical, chemical, and environmental implications of glass waste, demonstrating that it can serve as a partial or total substitute for traditional fine or coarse aggregates when properly processed and incorporated. This strategy not only supports the principles of the circular economy but also helps reduce the extraction of natural aggregates and the environmental footprint of concrete production. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge by analyzing experimental concrete mixtures in which sand and gravel were replaced with recycled glass particles of different granulometries (0-4 mm, 4-8 mm, and 8-16 mm). The research focuses on assessing the compressive strength of the resulting mixtures, as well as the potential benefits of using glass powder. The results indicate that glass waste can enhance certain performance characteristics of concrete, offering a promising path toward more sustainable and eco-conscious construction materials.