Eco-Friendly Pavements Manufactured with Glass Waste: Physical and Mechanical Characterization and Its Applicability in Soil Stabilization

Abstract

The use of glass waste, which by its nature cannot be recycled, might be a viable alternative in the manufacture of cements and concrete that is also economical and environmentally friendly. This alternative can reduce landfill areas with this inert residue but also limit the use of raw materials employed in the manufacture of cement and concrete and, consequently, contribute to minimize the environmental impact generated by this activity. In this research, the feasibility of using a limestone-type material treated with a binder manufactured with micronized glass powder and basic reagents, in the preparation of a gravel–cement- or soil–cement-type material, was analyzed. For this purpose, the strength, compactability, structural capacity, resistance to the action of water, stiffness and durability of the material obtained were characterized. From the tests that were carried out and the results obtained, it can be concluded that the use of glass powder, with a particle size of 16 μm, is ideal for the production of a gravel–cement- or soil–cement-type material. This material could be used as an environmentally-friendly pavement, especially suitable for peri-urban roads and park roads, where it can be used without coating, or as a base layer or sub-base for road surfaces, with little cracking due to shrinkage.

Use of Ecofriendly Glass Powder Concrete in Construction of Wind Farms

“…On the properties of fresh concrete: On the other hand, concretes manufactured with a replacement percentage higher than 50% of glass powder could be involved in the construction of park roads, especially in those located in areas with a high ecological value. From an environmental point of view, these concretes do not emit pollutant leachate [26] and adopt the color of the aggregate used, thereby minimizing the visual impact caused [32].…”

“…View of a glass powder particle (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) cliche in secondary electrons). Frontal view (left) and side view (right)[32].…”

Subgrade soil stabilization using marine debris: A literature review

“…However, when associated with organic matrices, they form hybrid composites of a ceramic and a biopolymer with highly organized sections and different microarchitectural structures with extraordinary mechanical properties such as those found in mollusk shells. [25].…”

Effect of Porosity/Binder Index on Strength, Stiffness and Microstructure of Cemented Clay: The Impact of Sustainable Development Geomaterials

“…Expanding the horizon of innovation, using glass powder and silica fume in sugarcane bagasse ash-based geopolymers was explored for soil stabilization, offering a holistic approach combining various materi-als for enhanced effectiveness [16]. Furthermore, the exploration extends to developing eco-friendly pavements manufactured with glass waste, focusing on the physical and mechanical characterization of these pavements and their applicability in soil stabilization [17]. Collectively, these investigations contribute valuable insights into sustainable practices that amalgamate glass-based materials with traditional soil stabilization techniques, paving the way for eco-conscious and practical solutions in construction.…”