The effect of a pozzolanic by-product containing glass powder and metakaolin on the properties and AAR resistance of mortar incorporating crushed glass

Abstract

The paper presents the research into the effect of an integrated pozzolanic addition containing glass powder and metakaolin on the physical and mechanical properties and the resistance to an alkali aggregate reaction in mortars incorporating crushed glass. Six batches of specimens were made for the tests. Sand was replaced with 25 % of crushed waste glass in all the specimens. Cement was replaced with 5 % of glass power (GP) and 5 % – 25 % of metakaolin (MK) by weight. Specimens containing 20 % of the compound pozzolanic addition were found to have better physical and mechanical properties and higher resistance to alkali aggregate reactions compared to the reference specimens without the addition. Additional hydration products were observed in X-ray and microstructure tests. The formation of new products confirms the results of the tests of the physical and mechanical properties and resistance to alkali aggregate reactions. Mortars incorporating crushed glass were found to be suitable for applications in potentially corrosive environments when modified with a 20 % of a compound pozzolanic addition consisting of 5 % waste glass powder and 15 % waste metakaolin.