Effect of temperature on the long-term properties of mortars containing waste glass powder and ground granulated blast furnace slag

Abstract

The paper presents new and unique results of two-year examinations of mortars containing ground glass, as a substitute for 15 or 30% by mass of ordinary Portland cement in comparison with the properties of mortars with the analogous addition of ground granulated blast furnace slag, in different temperatures. Moreover, after a two-year curing period, the mortars were autoclaved. Samples were subjected to compressive strength measurements, XRD analysis and the determination of calcium hydroxide content, by means of thermogravimetric analysis. The results confirm that as an additive, glass powder, thanks to its pozzolanic properties, can compete with common SCMs like granulated blast furnace slag. Additionally, a reduction in strength was not observed after the autoclaving process, for the mortars with 15% glass addition. The data collected in the paper confirms that the pozzolanic properties of ground glass allows its use as an additive. It also shows the ability of these mortars to maintain a constant level of strength in the long term and even after the autoclaving of two-year-old samples