Author
MIHALJEVIC, S. N; McMaster University, Civil Engineering
CHIDIAC, S. E; School of Engineering Practice, Civil Engineering, McMaster University

Abstract
Dry-cast concrete masonry block production utilizes aggregates, which are a non-renewable natural material, cement, the production of which consumes non-renewable raw material and energy, and water. This paper examines the effect of replacing a portion of cement with waste glass powder (WGP) on the mechanical properties of the blocks and prisms by means of an experimental testing program. The results reveal that there is no statistical difference in the compressive strength of prisms built using control blocks and blocks containing 10% or 25% WGP. The 4 days and one year compressive strength of the control blocks and the blocks containing 10% WGP was statistically the same and slightly higher than that of the blocks containing 25% WGP. Effects of alkali silica reaction (ASR) due to WGP were evaluated using ASTM C1260. The results showed no evidence of ASR for the samples tested.

Key words
Cement, concrete blocks, waste glass powder, pozzolan, sustainability