COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF A COARSE GLASS - CEMENT - SAND TERNARY BRICK BLEND

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coarse glass has several applications in various sectors including construction, landscaping and industrial uses. Despite this, sustainability issues in the construction industry has been a major cause for concern in reducing the environmental impact of its operations/activities. However, there is a growing interest in substituting alternative aggregate materials, largely as a potential use for recycled materials. Also, it is still unclear on their importance on the construction outcome, especially in the structural integrity. Hence, this study presents findings from the investigation of the compressive strength characteristics of ternary concrete blend using coarse glass, sand and cement. Sand, cement, coarse glass and water were used as the primary materials for the experiment. Five different samples were prepared at different replacement levels of coarse glass (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%), using the ternary blend, with cement and sand forming the control. The major equipment/tools were pyrometer, compression machine, chamber kiln (oven), weighing balance, brick mould, wheel barrow, shovel and hand trowel. Results indicate that the sample G30 has the highest compressive strength (18.69 N/mm2) after curing and crushing while the lowest is G15 (10.52 N/mm2). Furthermore, the results of the experiment indicates that the lightness of the brick samples (2.10 - 2.50 kg) makes it easier to handle, though its use requires typical and logical considerations to maintain strength, durability and avoid disintegration. The findings demonstrate that alternative materials, such as recycled glass, possess considerable compressive strength potential for integration into sustainable construction. However, these practices could play a vital role in advancing sustainable building methods locally and globally.