Abstract:This experimental research is focused on the development of self-compacting mortar incorporating recycled glass aggregate (SCM-RGA) as partial substitution of fine aggregate (wt 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%). The fresh and hardened mechanical properties as well as durability of SCM-RGA mixes were investigated. Limestone powder (LP) was used as filler that constitutes 20% of the powder volume to reduce the amount of cement. The SCM-RGA mixtures were designed based on Japanese mix design method. The experimental test results showed that the slump flow of SCM-RGA mixes decreased and V-funnel flow time increased when the content of recycled glass aggregate (RGA) increased. The bulk density, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption and sorptivity of SCM-RGA mixes were decreased as RGA content increased. Moreover, the accelerated mortar bar test results showed that the expansion due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) of SCM-RGA mixes increased as the content of RGA increased although the expansion of all mixes were within acceptable limit and potentially innocuous. In conclusion, up to 30% of RGA can be successfully integrated in SCM mixes that offers comparable strength performance, sorptivity enhancement and without long term detrimental ASR effect, and thus, contributes towards sustainable solid waste management, conservation of natural resources and environmental protection.

Energy conservation is an emerging global issue for sustainable infrastructure development. The building sector energy demand accounts for approximately 34% of the world’s energy demand, and artificial lighting consumes around 19% of the total delivered electricity globally. Developing a new kind of building material that can reduce the demand for artificial lighting energy is vital. This research attempts to address such issues through the development of translucent concrete façade using locally available materials that can be used as energy-saving building material. Bulk density, compressive strength, and flexural strength of translucent concrete containing 2%, 4%, and 6% volume ratios of plastic optical fibers (POF) were studied. Moreover, the flexural toughness of translucent concrete façade panels integrating 6% volume ratio of POF was also investigated. The experimental results showed that using up to 6% volume ratio of plastic optical fibers had no adverse effect on the bulk density of translucent concrete. Translucent concrete specimens exhibited relatively lower compressive and flexural strengths compared to the reference concrete. However, it was evidently observed that the compressive strength of translucent concrete increased with increasing the volume ratio of POF. The flexural strength of translucent concrete was observed to decline with increase in the volume ratio of POF. Results demonstrated that translucent concrete panels have better flexural toughness, ductility, and energy absorption capacity than the reference concrete panel. The energy-saving, environmental conservation, and aesthetic and structural performance improvements stemming from the application of translucent concrete façade panel as architectural wall would foster the development of green and resilient buildings as well as contribute to sustainable construction.