Utilization of Waste Glass Powder and Recycled Aggregate in Sustainable Concrete: An Experimental and Literature-Based Study on Mechanical Properties, Durability, and Environmental Performance

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources and a major contributor to global carbon emissions, driving the search for sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete constituents. This paper presents a comprehensive literature-based study on the combined utilization of Waste Glass Powder (WGP) as a partial cement/fine-aggregate replacement and Recycled Coarse Aggregate (RCA) obtained from construction and demolition (C&D) waste as a substitute for natural coarse aggregate in structural concrete. The pozzolanic behaviour of finely ground glass powder, its role in mitigating and, at certain particle sizes, contributing to alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and its influence on compressive, split-tensile and flexural strength are reviewed and synthesised. Similarly, the physical characteristics of RCA — higher water absorption, lower density and residual mortar content — and their effect on workability, strength and durability are examined. Representative mix designs, testing methodology, and trends in strength development, water absorption, chloride penetration and workability compiled from more than forty peer-reviewed studies are presented through tables and graphical illustrations. The synthesis indicates that a combined replacement level of about 20-30% (WGP as fine-aggregate/cement replacement together with RCA as coarse-aggregate replacement) offers the best balance of strength, durability and sustainability, with WGP partially offsetting the strength loss caused by RCA. Environmental and life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies reviewed further confirm meaningful reductions in embodied carbon and landfill burden. The paper concludes with the practical significance, limitations, and future research directions for large-scale adoption of Waste Glass Powder-Recycled Aggregate Concrete (WGP-RAC) in the construction sector.