Effect Of Glass Powder On The Mechanical, Thermal And Microstructural Properties Of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Abstract

Solid waste disposal of nonrecyclable waste glass is carried out through landfills. It is not an eco-friendly solution because glass is not biodegradable. Therefore there is a dire need for the utilization of such wastes. Since glass contains rich silica content, therefore construction industry has the potential to use it in replacement of fine aggregate, in ground form. This research deals with the Pozzolanic activity of finely ground waste glass on the mechanical, thermal and microstructural properties of AAC, when used as partial replacement with fine aggregates. In this study glass powder was replaced with fine aggregates at various levels upto 20%. After casting the specimens were steam cured at a temperature of 140 °C for 5 hours. The fresh tests conducted were air content and shrinkage while the hardened properties were investigated by performing compression, flexure, unit weight and water absorption tests. Acid attack was carried out to check the durability. Supplementary analysis was done to identify the Pozzolanic potential of finely ground waste glass by using SEM, EDX and TGA. Thermal conductivity test was done to check the thermal performance of autoclaved aerated concrete. The results indicated that 15% replacement exhibited positive response. 60% increase in the compressive strength and 45% increase in flexure strength was observed at GP15% than the control mix. Maximum unit weight was found to be at GP15% i.e. 1293kg/m3. SEM/EDX showed the formation of hydration products and TGA testified the presence of Pozzolanic activity of glass powder with particle size less than 75 microns. Compared with control sample 30% increase in thermal conductivity was observed at GP15%.