A comprehensive review on mechanical and durability properties of cement-based materials containing waste recycled glass

Disposal of consumer waste is a major challenge in urban areas around the world. In the field of building materials, it has long been recognized that many types of wastes can be used instead of raw materials. In addition, production of binders such as Portland cement is a CO₂ intensive process. However, for widespread use of wastes in construction, it is important that the properties of resulting building materials are satisfactory. For concrete, the most important are the fresh, hardened and durability properties. A promising waste material that can be utilized to create sustainable concrete composites is waste recycled glass. In this paper, literature dealing with use of waste recycled glass as partial replacement of either cement or aggregate in concrete is systematically reviewed. The focus of this review is the influence of recycled waste glass on the engineering properties of concrete. Main advantages and drawbacks of using recycled waste glass are discussed. The aim of this review is to identify major research needs in the field that will help bring this class of materials closer to worldwide practical use. Given that concrete is the most used man-made material in the world, such development would significantly reduce the need for landfilling of waste recycled glass that is unsuitable for reuse in glass production.