College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2024
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Daniel Knight, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Besides water, concrete is the most widely used material in the world. The production of Portland cement, the most crucial ingredient in a concrete mix, significantly contributes to global carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for 7-8% of the total. The majority of these emissions result from the cement production process, which involves kilns powered by greenhouse gas-producing sources. Additional emissions come from the heavy diesel equipment used to load and haul aggregates to batch plants. Although the construction industry is adopting more sustainable building techniques and materials, the basic concrete mix remains largely unchanged, continuing to contribute heavily to carbon emissions. Recycled glass, which is abundantly available, has been used decoratively in concrete mixes but not structurally. In 2012, only about 34% of glass containers were recycled, primarily due to issues with recycling colored glass. Since glass is widely recycled globally, much of it is discarded after arriving at recycling facilities, ensuring a plentiful supply. When ground into a fine powder or broken into sand and gravel-sized pieces, glass exhibits similar strength properties compared to traditional cement mixtures. Previous studies have identified glass as a supplementary cementitious material due to its silica content, which acts as a binding agent in cement. This research experiment tests the viability of using recycled and waste glass as a substitute for sand, gravel, and cement in concrete.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/766
Poster Board
Student Evaluation Form (9-18).docx (15 kB)
Reflection
Senior Project Proposal Form Griffin Finnane 4-7-24.docx (77 kB)
Proposal