Concrete containing recycled concrete coarse aggregate and crushed glass sand: Mitigating the effect of alkali–silica reaction

Abstract

The utilization of recycled concrete and glass aggregates in concrete production has emerged as a highly promising method to significantly increase the recycling rate of waste materials. However, the interaction between alkaline environment and silica present in concrete detrimentally impacts mechanical properties and durability of the concrete due to the significant silica content of the aggregates. This study aims to develop a high-performance and sustainable concrete to resist alkali–silica reaction (ASR). The study focuses on the use of a blend of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) as binder materials to mitigate negative effects of the ASR on the mechanical properties and and durability of concrete made with crushed glass sand and coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Various tests, including ASR expansion, flow, slump, density, compression, three-point bending, water absorption, and chloride attack, were conducted. Furthermore, microanalysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was performed. Based on the results, it is found that the GGBS is less effective than the FA in reducing the ASR expansion of the concrete, with only 3%, 9%, and 12% decreased expansion as a result of the addition of 20%, 40%, and 70% GGBS to the concrete containing 30% FA, respectively. It is also shown that combining 20% GGBS with 30% FA in the RCA concrete containing glass sand develops similar compressive and flexural strengths and water absorption compared to that containing natural sand. This can be related to the pozzolanic reaction of the FA and GGBS, which helps to retain the alkalis for reducing the crack development and propagation in the concrete. However, further GGBS content leads to a decrease in the strengths and an increase in the water absorption of the concrete. The results of this study point to the significant potential of combining FA and GGBS at an optimum ratio to mitigate the ASR effect on RCA concretes containing crushed glass sand. This approach helps in minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants generated during cement production, thereby mitigating environmental pollution. Additionally, it helps the preservation of natural resources by reducing the depletion of natural sand and coarse aggregate.