Utilisation of Silicate-Containing Waste in the Production of High-Density Concrete

Abstract

The recycling of glass waste is an increasingly important challenge, as glass constitutes a valuable secondary raw material. The volume of discarded glass accumulating in the environment is approaching the scale of natural geological resources consumed by industry. Environmentally, glass is difficult to degrade due to its exceptional chemical durability—it is resistant to water, frost, organic and mineral acids, salts, and microbial activity. This study investigates the use of glass waste as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in heavyweight concrete production, offering a sustainable solution to both construction material demand and municipal waste management. Special emphasis is placed on the effect of silicate-containing waste on the physical and mechanical performance of concrete. Experimental results confirm the feasibility of incorporating crushed glass cullet (1.25–0.05 mm) into concrete mixtures. The influence of different particle size fractions on compressive strength is analyzed, demonstrating the potential of glass waste to enhance concrete properties while supporting circular economy practices. The best strength properties were achieved with optimal glass frit proportions: the use of fine fraction (less than 0.9 mm) and coarse fraction (1.25–2.5 mm) resulted in a significant increase in strength (17–20 %) compared to the control composition.