Improving nonlinear behavior and tensile and compressive strengths of sustainable lightweight concrete using waste glass powder, nanosilica, and recycled polypropylene fiber

Abstract Concrete is one of the most extensively utilized building materials that can be produced, and has the potential to release a significant quantity of CO2 into the environment. In this research, through studying lightweight (LW) concrete, attempts are made to produce environmentally friendly LW concrete with high strength using nanosilica rather than part of the cement and waste glass powder instead of aggregates. Recycled polypropylene fibers are used to increase the concrete’s compressive strength and nonlinear behavior. The use of glass powder was 20, 25, and 30% of the weight of aggregates, the consumption of nanosilica was 1, 2, and 3% of the weight of cement, and the consumption of recycled fibers (FORTA Ferro-Green) was 0.5, 1, and 1.5% of the weight of cement. Leca is also utilized as a LW aggregate. According to 7- and 28-day experimentation results and field emission scanning electron microscope analysis, the best sample had 1.5% fiber, 3% nanosilica, and 25% waste glass powder, and had a compressive and tensile strengths of roughly 1.7 and 1.6 times, respectively, those of the control specimen after 28 days. Also, using 3% nanosilica instead of cement can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 3%.