POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

WASTE GLASS POWDER AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR

CEMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CONCRETE HOLLOW
BLOCKS

A Thesis
Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Lopez, Quezon

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree

Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology

By:

Rempillo, Gee Ann Dominee O.

Delica, Judy Ann J.
Forneste, Kyla Mae D.
Mercado, Jaypee M.
Guiruela, Reymark F.
Salamanes, Michvell Kyle B.

i
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title page  i
Table of contents ii
List of tables iii
1. The problem and it’s settings
Introduction 1
Theoretical Framework 2
Conceptual framework 3
Statement of the problem 4
Hypothesis 4
Scope and limitations of the study 5

Significance of the study 5

2. Review of Related Literature

3. Methodology
Research Design 9
Flowchart of research design/ process flowchart 10
Description of the research instrument 11
Material requirements 11
Mix design 11
Specimen details 12
Field experiment 13

References

ii
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

LIST OF TABLES

Number Title Page

1 Conceptual Framework 3
2 Flowchart of the research design/ process flowchart 12

iii
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

INTRO

Due to the rapid development, the significant demand and rising cost of essential

building materials like cement. Cement is one of the most important building materials, is

a binding agent that sets and hardens to adhere to building units such as stones, bricks,

or Masonry construction. For thousands of years, people have used the masonry

construction method, which consists of stacking block units and mortar joints, to build

structures because it is rapid, efficient, long-lasting, and economic. If the masonry

industry continues to be economically and environmentally efficient, if this historical

tendency may continue. To achieve this goal, the masonry sector needs to investigate

alternate techniques that allow to (1) control of environmental pollution (2) produce low-

cost concrete (3) that is economical, profitable, and sustainable for landfills and

incinerators.

The use of Waste glass as a partial replacement for cement, particularly waste

glass powder. Being non-biodegradable, glass disposal in landfills has environmental

impacts and is responsible for hazardous greenhouse gasses. The necessity for

developing construction materials that will lower greenhouse gas emissions is important

given the growth of contemporary cities, the depletion of natural resources, climate

change, and growing environmental protection consciousness. Using waste glass

powder (WGP), which is growing as a result of industrialization and urban

transformation, is an addition to concrete because of its benefits to both the economy

1
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

and mechanical performance. Due to the oxidation effect of waste glass and the lack of

a regular storage location, there is an increased danger of soil and water pollution. As a

result, using recycled glass in the creation of concrete will significantly help to solve

environmental issues.

In this study, the main aim is to investigate the use of the waste glass powder as

a partial replacement for cement in production of concrete hollow block. this research

answer on which between 10%, 20% and 25% are effective percentage, as partially

replace for the cement for concrete hollow blocks that is affordable or low-cost, an

effective binder and has obtained high strength.

Theoretical Framework

Glass is amorphous and contains a reasonable quantity of silicon, making it a

tremendous pozzolanic material for making concrete. Glass can theoretically be used as

a partial cement replacement if it is finely pulverized to powder (Ali et al).

The glass leads two types of antagonistic action, the alkaline-silica reaction

(ASR), which causes damage in concrete, and its pozzolanic reaction, which is

considered beneficial for the properties of concrete (Idir, Cyr, & Tagnit-Hamou,

Citation2011).

The alkali-silica reaction is usually associated with coarse particles containing

amorphous silica where a destruction of the silica network occurs to release silica that

combines with alkali and calcium to form N,K-(C)-S-H gels

which is causing expansion of the concrete (Shao, Lefort, Moras, & Rodriguez,

Citation2000; Shayan & Xu, Citation2006).

2
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

While the pozzolanic activity is usually related to fine particles where the silica is

released after the destruction of the silica network by the hydroxide ions, combines with

calcium from Portlandite to form C-(N,K)-S-H which improve concrete properties (Carles

Gibergues, Cyr, Moisson, & Ringot, Citation2008; Cyr, Rivard, & Labrecque,

Citation2009). Pereira de Oliveira, Castro Gomes, and Santos (Citation2012) reported

that the glass powders fineness is a fundamental parameter in the glass pozzolan’s

production to increase their potential reactivity.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

CONTROL VARIABLE FIELD TEST OBSERVED

 STANDARD (DROP TEST) RESULT OF
CHB
• Horizontal THE EXPERIMENT
EXPERIMENTAL
VARIABLE • Vertical
 CHB 1 with 2% • Effective binder
WGP
• Higher strength

 CHB 2 with 4% • Affordable

WGP

 CHB 3 with 6%
WGP

 CHB 4 with 8%
WGP

 CHB 5 with
10% WGP

3
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

The innovative concrete hollow block was prepared with several tests. The final

product was to be put to the test to produce the desired result of a stronger and more

sustainable concrete hollow block. Under the researcher’s supervision, the entire

process was carried out properly and thorough documentation was made.

Statement of the Problem

This research discusses the problems with using waste glass as a partial

replacement for cement, and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) composite for the

production of concrete hollow blocks (CHB)

Specifically, the study answers the following questions:

1. In what percentage(s) of waste glass powder mixed with ordinary Portland

cement a composite in cement hollow blocks be more Effective:

(a.) 2%

(b.) 4%

(c.) 6%

(d.) 8%

(e.) 10%

2. In terms of strength, how much percentage of waste glass powder as partial

replacement for cement obtain a high strength

4
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

3. Is the CHB with waste glass powder as partial replacement for cement, have an

affordable price than the standard of traditional CHB.

Assumption and Hypothesis

• 10% of waste glass powder as a partially replacement for Ordinary Portland

cement is its effective binder, and also obtain its high strength at the same

percentage.

• CHB with waste glass powder as the partial replacement for cement is more

affordable that the standard concrete hollow blocks.

Scope and Limitations of the study

The general intent of this study is to know the strength of Concrete Hollow Blocks

with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of waste glass powder as a partial replacement for

cement, and if the concrete hollow block is affordable when it is infused with waste glass

powder.

Significance of the Study

The waste glass powder and ordinary cement composite are beneficial and

significant to the following sectors:

The Construction Industry will be given an innovative and economical alternative

binder for making a concrete hollow block.

5
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

The Environment it reduces the wastes and pollution. Also, it reduces the space in

landfills.

The Students or Future Researchers can use this research as a guide, to pursue their

interests as a future developer of the research.

6
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The literature and studies cited in this chapter deal with the different ideas,

concept, and understanding, simplification or conclusions and diverse development

related to the study of Glass powder as a partial replacement to cement. This serves as

the researchers guide in developing the project. Those that were also included in this

chapter helps in familiarizing information that are relevant and similar to the present

study.

The researcher was intrigued to discover the mechanical property that includes

compressive strength, and split tensile strength of concrete by using glass powder as

partial replacement for cement. Besides deforestation and burning of fossil fuels that

releases carbon dioxides, cement manufacturing industry is also one of its sources.

They contribute for about 7% o greenhouse gas emission to the earth’s atmosphere. To

resolve this problem related to cement manufacturing, it is necessary to come up with

an alternative binder to make concrete. Consequently, extensive research is working on

using waste materials and industrial by products as a subject for the cement

replacement. The concrete industries had made efforts to use glass as partial

replacement for coarse and fine aggregate. This study will use finely pulverized waste

glass as partial replacement of cement and will compare it with the standard concrete.

With 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% partially replaced of cement it is tested or its

compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, up to 60 days it will be under observation

7
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
and will be compared with the standard concrete. The obtained results found that, the

waste glass powder can be use as a cement replacement material, and to prevent the

alkali silica reaction that particle size should be less than 75μm. (Dr. G. Vijayakumar).

The study was conducted with 25% of waste glass powder as a cement substitute to

investigate the mechanical effect of concrete. According to the result of the

investigation, it was observed that the void ratio and density of the samples decreased,

while the tensile and compressive strength increased. (Aliabdo et al). The aim of the

study is to study the interaction of WGP that is added to cement mortar with other

materials. It was found that the compressive strength of the samples increased as the

glass addition rate increased. With the addition of 25% the high strength of concrete

was obtained. (Al Saffar et al). The study was determined to examine the effect of the

size particle of WGP on the mechanical and microstructure of concrete. It was found

that the particle size distribution of WGP has a significant effect on the properties of

WGP based concrete. (Zhang et al). It was found that with the addition of 10% of WGP

can increase up to 1.2% in concrete compressive strength. (Khatib et Al). In a similar

study, Tejaswi et Al stated that with a 10% WGP, the compressive strength increased by

1.5%, however, at 20% substitute the level of compressive strength were equal with the

control sample. Furthermore Zainab Z. Ismail The main objective of their research is to

investigate the use of the collected waste glass powder from the grinded crushed

containers and building demolition to produce cement blended with waste glass powder

as concrete additives. In addition, is to investigate the effects of using waste glass

powder as a partial replacement for cement in terms of physical and mechanical

properties. With a 0.0%, 0.0%, 5.0%, 10.0% 15.0%, 20.0%, 25.0%, are the considered

content of glass waste powder as partial replacement material for cement. From the

obtained results, glass powder has a pozzolanic property and the use of it has a

8
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
significant effect on the setting time and cement expansion. The use of 10% glass

powder as cement replacement enhanced the mortar compressive strength by about

90% Also, generally, the use of glass powder as cement replacement up to 15%

enhanced by properties of concrete modified with glass powder. The researcher aims to

reduce the cost of concrete and its properties by using recycled glass as partial

replacement for cement in terms of structural concrete and its effect on compressive

strength. Several test were performed including the fresh state propertied like its

workability and in its hardened state properties like the compressive strength test, split

tensile strength test and the dry density test, in the partially replaced specimen of blocks

with a 150mm x 150mm x 150mm size, and cylinders with 150mm x 300m size, after the

day 3, day 7, day 14, and day 28 of curing time. Based on the results obtained the

compressive strength was found to increase up to 15% replacement of glass powder

and beyond the point decreases the strength. The workability of concrete followed a

decreasing trend with addition of the glass powder. (M. Adaway). Glass presents a way

to save natural and non-renewable resources and can be used again as a good raw

material. The building sector may become more environmentally friendly if glass powder

is used in the concrete-making process. In this study, an effort is made to use waste

glass in different amounts so that the final concrete mixture’s properties are the same as

the control mix. For the sake of comparison, reference concrete is also prepared (Nagar

2016).) A similar study was conducted using the glass powder as replacement of

cement in the range of 5 to 40% by increment of 5%. Concrete was tested for

compressive strength and flexural strength. The results showed that with the increase of

glass powder up to 20% strength increases and beyond that it decreases. They

interpreted this improvement by the pozzolanic reaction and the increase of concrete’s

density by the filling of powder in void, while authors didn’t give an explanation to results

9
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
beyond 20% glass powder. Raju and Kumar (Citation2014). (Gunalaan and Seri Ganis

2013) investigated the results at 7,14,28 days of curing of specimens containing waste

glass powder as partial replacement of cement and his results showed that the 20% of

powder mix amount shows a positive value of compressive strength at 28 days compare

to other ratio which 10% and 15% is not achievable even though have slight increment

in 14 days result. (Kumarappan N 2013) partially replaced cement by glass powder and

stated that Up To 10% it is feasible to replace cement as it showed higher compressive

strength than the control mix. (Vijayakumar 2013) proposed that cement replaced uto

40% by glass powder showed increment in compressive strength at both 28 days and

60 days age of curing as compared to conventional concrete. (Chikhalir and Tande

2012) tested flexural strength parameter in his study and resulted that 20% dosage of

waste glass powder is optimal for replacing cement. According to ( Bajad et.al. 2011)

experimentally showed that 20% replacement by waste glass powder is optimal both in

the case of concrete subjected to sulphate attack and not subjected to sulphate attack.

In addition,(Nwaubani 2013) investigated the characteristics of concrete integrated with

waste glass as a partial replacement for Portland cement in quantities of 5% ,20%, and

30% had been investigated. The result earned display indeed that glass powder

complements the compressive strength characteristics of the very last concrete product

of used on the proper level of the substitute.

According to (Rashad, 2015) The properties influence the pozzolanic behavior of waste

glass and most pozzolans in concrete, are fineness, chemical composition, and the pore

solution present for reaction. Milling of glass to micro-meter scale particle size, for

enhancing the reactions between glass and cement hydrates, can bring major energy,

environmental and economic benefits when cement is partially replaced with milled

waste glass for production of concrete. (Naik and Moriconi 2015) according to them the

10
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
environmental issues are playing an important role in the sustainable development of

the cement and concrete industry. Concrete is one of the most widely used construction

materials in the world. However, the production of Portland cement, an essential

constituent of concrete, leads to the release of significant amount of CO2, a greenhouse

gas; one ton of Portland cement clinker production is said to creates approximately one

ton of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). (Soroushian Parviz 2012) utilized

milled waste glass in his experimentation and resulted that slump is observed to slightly

increase with the introduction of milled waste glass. This could be attributed to the low

water absorption of glass. Additionally, (Parvis 2012) milled glass powder enters a

beneficial reaction with cement hydration, so basically the chemistry of the cement

improves with the glass, additionally, glass powder's chemical composition are silica,

sodium, calcium, for the cement are calcium, silicon, aluminum, and iron. And glass

powder is not cementious by itself, but if it is mixed with the concrete mix, it reacts with

the cement powder to form a cement binder which is the calcium silica hydrate, which it

is responsible for the durability and strength of cement And concrete. (Dhirenda 2012)

investigated that the strength characteristics of pre cast blocks incorporating waste

glass powder and studied that the moderate level decrease in the compressive strength

at 28 days occur. (Najad, Kareem,and Ostovar 2019) stated that the industries of

cement and glass powder are dealing with a variety of demanding situations due to the

excessive factories gasses emissions, the extensive use of powder and the intensive

use of the Earth’s natural resources. Furthermore, the chemical structure and the

pozzolanic characteristics of waste glass are inspiring for using this waste in cement

industries and urban industries to provide a environmentally friendly answer for the

glass and cement industries.

11
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter explains the methods involved in conducting this study. This

presents the research design, flowchart of research design/process flowchart,

description of research instrument used, material requirements, mix design, specimen

details and field experiment.

Research Design

This study aims to determine the strength of waste glass powder (WGP) and

ordinary Portland cement (OPC) composites for the production of concrete hollow blocks

(CHB).

In this study, experimental research approach and stratified sampling is applied.

Experimental research is a scientific approach to research, where one or more

independent variables are manipulated and applied to one or more dependent variables

to measure their effect on the latter. This study uses stratified sampling method to

compare 2 variables in terms of strength, and cost.

12
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
To analyze the data, a t-test will be used to determine whether there is a

significant difference between the two variables(concrete hollow blocks with glass

powder) and the control group (standard concrete hollow blocks ). The t-test is the

statistical treatment that compares the means of two groups to determine if there is

significant difference between concrete hollow blocks with glass powder and standard

concrete hollow blocks. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be consider significant. The t-test

will be perform using statistical software like excel.

FLOWCHART OF RESEARCH DESIGN/ PROCESS FLOWCHART

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

HYPOTHESIS

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

“POZZOLANIC THEORY”

CONTROL VARIABLE EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLE

ORDINARY HOLLOW CONCRETE HOLLOW

BLOCK BLOCKS WITH WASTE
GLASS POWDER

STRENGTH AND COST OF

5 SAMPLE TEST
THE HOLLOW BLOCKS
TEST 1
TEST 2

5 SAMPLES TEST 3
TEST 4
TEST 5

FIELD TEST
(DROP TEST)
13

OBSERVED RESULT OF THE EXPERIMENT

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

Description of the research instrument used

The research study uses experimental approach. To collect the data of this

research, the researcher uses observation and experiment.

Material Requirements

The essential material needed in this research is waste glass powder as the

partial replacement for the cement, the concrete hollow block molder and Raw material

for the concrete hollow blocks: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), sand and water.

This research use the alternative process of griding the glass by smashing,

covering it with cloth, and filtering of powdered glass. With the use of gloves, eye glass,

mortar and pestle, cloth, and screen mesh.

Mix Design

The study has five (5) sample tests to distinguish the strength of ordinary

Portland cement and waste glass components for the production of concrete hollow

blocks. The standard or the traditional hollow block that contains 1:7 ratio of cement and

sand with water.

Test 1: this mix contains 98% of Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), 2% waste glass

powder (WGP), sand and water.

Test 2: this mix contains 96% of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), 4% of waste glass

powder (WGP), sand and water.

14
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES

Test 3: this mix contains 94% of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), 6% of waste glass

powder (WGP), sand and water.

Test 4: this mix contains 92% of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), 8% of waste glass

powder (WGP), sand and water.

Test 5: this mix contains 90% of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), 10% of waste glass

powder (WGP), sand and water.

Specimen Details

To test the strength of each of the sample blocks, 22 full size blocks shall be

measured its length, width, and thickness, from each test the blocks will be use for the

horizontal with the height of 4-ft drop, and from each test blocks will be use for the

vertical with the height of 4-ft drop.

Field Experiment

A drop test is the simplest way to test the strength of a building block: if the

block survives at 4-ft fall, it is strong enough to go to a building. To test the strength of

each concrete hollow blocks, two drop test is conducted, the vertical and the horizontal

drop considering the impact events during handling.

A block is selected from each of the 5-sample test blocks, with 2%, 4%, 6% 8%,

and 10% of the glass powder the partial replacement for the cement.

15
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
Vertical drop

The length of the block should be kept in vertical position before dropping it on

the ground. The concrete block should be intact in shape without any damage after

crushing over the ground surface It obtains high strength. If the sample block breaks into

pieces or develops a crack then it has a low strength.

Horizontal drop

The block is held in a horizontal position from the height, drop the block again in

the ground surface, if the block breaks into pieces or developed a crack then it has a low

strength.

16
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
REFERENCES

 According to the Paramvisions (2018).” Field test for solid concrete blocks.”

 Vijayakumar, G.; Vishaliny, H.; Govindarajulu, D. (2013).“Studies on Glass

Powder as partial replacement of cement in concrete Production.”

 Aliabdo, A; Abd Elmoaty, A. E. M.; Aboshama, A. Y (2016).“Utilization of waste

Glass powder in the production of cement and concrete.”

 Al Saffar, D. M. (2017). “Experimental investigation of using ultra-fine glass

Powder in concrete.”

 Zhang (2020). ‘’Effects of particle size and curing temperature on mechanical

And microstructural properties of waste glass-slag-based and waste glass-fly-

Ash-based geopolymers.’’

 Khatib (2012). ‘’Glass powder utilisation in concrete Production.’’

 Nabil, E. N. and Ismail S. I. (2017) “Effects of glass powder on the compression

And strength and the workability of concrete”

 G.M. Sadiqul Islam,M.H. Rahman,Nayem Kazi (2017). “Waste glass powder as

Partial replacement of cement for sustainable concrete practice” International

Journal of Sustainable Built Environment.’’

 S.M. Chikhalikar and S.N. Tande (2012) “An experimental investigation on

characteristics properties of fibre reinforced concrete containing waste glass

powder as pozzolana “

 Roz U.D., Nazzar P.S. (2012) “strength and durability of recycled concrete

aggregate containing milled glass as partial replacement for cement”

 Nwaubani S.O. and Poutos K. (2013) “ the influence of waste glass powder

fineness on the properties of cent mortar”

17
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILLIPINES
 Patel D., Yadak R.K. and Chadaak R. (2012) “ strength characteristics of cement

mortar paste containing coarse and fine waste glass powder”

 Vasudevan G. And Pillay S.G. “performance of using waste glass powder in

concrete as replacement of cement”

 Kumarappan N. (2013) “Partial replacement cement in concrete using waste

glass”

 Bajad M.N. (2011) “Effects of glass on strength of concrete subjected to sulphate

attack”

18