Sustainable Utilization of Waste Glass in Concrete: a Review

Due to population growth and industrial development, waste generation has increased annually over the last few years. According to a World Bank report, in 2018, about 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste were generated, and this amount was predicted to grow to 3.40 billion tons by 2050 (Kaza et al 2018). Waste glass (WG) is among the largest contributors to municipal solid waste (MSW). The recycling of WG as a fine aggregate or as a cement replacement can save natural resources and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The present review provides a cost analysis of using WG in concrete and the effects that the inclusion of glass has on the mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of concrete. As such, this review will serve as a guide for further related studies. This review also establishes that using WG in concrete can reduce the loads imposed on landfills and minimize concrete production costs.

Automated summary

With the increasing amount of waste generation, recycling waste glass in concrete can conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions, lessen the burden on landfills, and minimize concrete production costs.