To investigate the use of recycled glass in concrete manufacturing

Recommendations:

The report contains several conclusions and recommendations to assist in the marketable development of using recycled glass in concrete here in Australia. A summary of the key recommendations can be summarised as:

• Whilst glass can be used as an aggregate in concrete its best used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) given its additional benefits and reduced risk for Alkaline Silica Reaction. Future research and pilot programs should be focused towards this application.
• Government agencies, particularly within the infrastructure and transport sectors, need to lead the drive into utilising more sustainable materials like recycled glass as a raw material replacement. 
• To help develop alternative glass markets and assist MRF facilities in decreasing contamination rates financial support mechanisms linked to product packaging should be investigated.  
• Glass powder should be added to the list of cementitious materials that can be used in concrete.
• A collective body needs to be established in Australia to help promote the use of recycled glass in concrete and share ideas and support for its development.
• Greater awareness into the use and benefits of recycled glass concrete needs to be shared across the industry to help build user confidence. 
• In-situ pilot programs using glass powder in concrete need to begin as soon as practically possible so that data can be captured a better understanding of how the product will behaviour in the Australian environment.  
• In any recycled glass concrete project appropriate ASR expertise should be engaged to ensure its potential occurrence is minimised. 

Keywords: Glass, Concrete, Waste, Recycling, Pozzolan, Cement, Carbon Emissions, Sustainable Development