Characterizations and modeling the influence of particle size distributions (Psd) of glass powder on the mechanical behavior of normal strength concrete

Abstract

In this study, a comprehensive experimental investigation and modeling were carried out to examine the impact of two different grain size distributions of glass powder (GP) ((55 µm < GP-A < 135 µm) and (55 µm > GP-B)) in various percentages up to 30% on the mechanical characteristics of concrete at different testing ages (7, 28,56, and 91 days). The experimental data observed were utilized to develop different models for characterizing the compressive, splitting, and flexural strength behavior of concrete modified with GP. Results indicated that, up to 25% of cement replacement with GP, the difference in particle size of GP does not have a substantial impact on the mechanical performance of concrete if it is less than 135 μm. Irrespective of GP particle size and the curing days, the increasing percentage of GP replacement up to 10% for compressive strength and up to 15% for splitting and flexural tensile strength tends to marginally reduce compressive, splitting, and flexural tensile strength at 28 days by 4%, 8%, and 6%, respectively. The developed models were found to be well predicted by curing ages, water to binder ratio (w/b), and GP content. Based on the model parameters, the percentage of GP to partially replace cement is much more effective than the particle size of GP, w/b, and curing time in changing the mechanical properties of normal strength concrete. The analytical results were in good agreement with the experimental investigation.