Sustainable concrete for circular economy: a review on use of waste glass

TLDR: In this article, the connection of construction sector and circular economy with recycled glass in its center is reviewed, and it is shown that by partially replacing Portland cement or aggregate with recycling glass, on average, up to 19% greenhouse gas and 17% energy consumption reduction as well as major cost savings can be made.

Abstract: As a result of socio-economic growth, major increase in solid waste generation is taking place which can lead to resource depletion and environmental concerns. To address this inefficient cycle of make, use and dispose, the concept of circular economy has recently been proposed that de-linearizes the current relationship between economic growth, environmental degradation and resource consumption thorough its 6Rs (Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, Remanufacture, Reduce, Recover). In the construction sector, currently the production of binding agents and transportation of virgin aggregates is associated with considerable environmental pollution. As a result, major attempts are taking place to substitute such ingredients with more sustainable and potentially cheaper materials. With waste glass having a production of roughly 100 million tons annually, and its low recycling rate of 26%, there is a growing number of studies unlocking its potential as an eco-friendly substitute for Portland cement (with particle size of below $$100\ \upmu \hbox {m}$$ ) or fine aggregate (with size of below 4.75 mm) in concrete. As a result, this article intends to review the connection of construction sector and circular economy with recycled glass in its center. Accordingly, by partially replacing cement or aggregate with recycled glass, on average, up to 19% greenhouse gas, and 17% energy consumption reduction as well as major cost savings can be made. Additionally, in technical concrete terms, better fresh properties and fire resistance, as well as lower permeability, and in fine grades, favorable cementitious properties are reported as major benefits of using waste glass as a sustainable construction material.