Recycled Glass Concrete Pavement Design

Background Information:

Previous research on the use of glass concrete, were performed in Northern Arizona University in the year 2015-2016, is to be continued in this research project, for finding of ways to improve the strength aspect of recycled glass concrete and reduce cracking that may occur in the concrete, [1]. In their project, recycled glass-powder and glass-sand were used to perform to replace cement and sand components of concrete, and support their results with slump and compressive strength tests. If recycled glass added in concrete, it will eventually decrease the durability and compressive strength. In particular, glass-sand cannot absorb enough water. The previous research team concluded that glass concrete can be an effective alternative for conventional concrete, but it is slightly more expensive than conventional concrete, where glass is used as a replacement for cement and sand. The team could not fully complete the research due to lack of materials, also due to time constrains did not perform thermal impact analysis on the concrete.

Project Understanding:

Waste is a common issue today in the world, in the United States in particular. Waste materials need a lot of energy to be recycled, but there are not a lot of recycling factories. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of glass that is being recycled is 34%, [1]. Material recycling facilities (MRFs) accept the glass, plastics and metals for recycling purpose under contract and pay them generous sums. Even though the MRFs are able to sell the plastics and metals, no one wants to take the glass. Since glass producers have no easy way for its economical reuse, the recycling of glass is facing some kind of problems. Therefore, the need for its disposal contributes to the solid waste problem faced by municipalities worldwide. The United States generates about 131 million tons of fly ash from burnt coal. In 2008, an industry shows that the United States reused a 43% of the generated fly ash [2]. If fly ash can be used 100% as a recycled material instead of cement, it will reduce the carbon dioxide generated that can lead to green project. But this type is appropriate to be used in small projects such as crosswalk pavement in houses, and storage space.

To complete the project, sets of tasks are followed to organize the process. The tasks are:
Task 1-Research
Task 2-Developing Mix Formulae
Task 3-Experimental Preparation
Task 4-Experimental Procedures
Task 5-Data Analysis
Task 6-Project Management

 

 

Last Update: December 12, 2016