Kevin Ccente, John Tello, Carlos Eyzaguirre

Abstract: This paper explores the use of recycled ground glass as a partial substitute for sand in concrete mixtures, aiming to enhance its mechanical properties, specifically compressive and flexural strength. Mixtures with glass replacements of 15%, 20%, and 25% were developed and tested, evaluating their performance at 7, 14, and 28 days. Experimental results indicate that using 15% ground glass increases compressive strength by 4.91% compared to standard concrete and improves workability without significantly affecting cohesion. In contrast, higher glass percentages increase the mixture's porosity, reducing its density and compressive strength. Flexural strength tests revealed that the 15% replacement achieved the best performance, with an increase of 2% compared to the control mix, while the 20% and 25% substitutions showed slight reductions in flexural capacity due to increased brittleness. These findings suggest that a moderate incorporation of ground glass not only enhances compressive behavior but also slightly improves flexural performance, making it suitable for structural applications with sustainability criteria. Additionally, an economic analysis was performed, showing that the use of recycled ground glass as a partial substitute for sand can reduce material costs in optimal replacement proportions, reinforcing the viability of this approach for practical applications. The research concludes that incorporating ground glass is a sustainable and economically feasible alternative, as it promotes waste reuse, reduces the demand for natural sand, and improves the overall mechanical performance of concrete.

Keywords: Concrete, Ground glass, Compressive strength, Flexural strength, Sustainability, Economics.

Date Published: October 14, 2025
DOI: 10.11159/ijci.2025.016

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