Evaluation of the Pozzolanic Activity of Glass Powder in Three Maximum Grain Sizes

Abstract

The addition of pozzolans has a potentially important role in the cement industry since using waste from other industries has important environmental benefits, including reduced CO₂ emissions from cement production. This study evaluates the pozzolanic activity of the glass powder in three different particle sizes (150 µm, 75 µm, and 45 µm, upper limits) and compares the results with those of other added pozzolans and technical standards found in the literature. Pozzolanicity was determined by four methods: Pozzolanic Activity Index (PAI) with lime, Performance Index (PI) with Portland cement, electric conductivity, and modified Chapelle. The results of the Chapelle and electrical conductivity trials indicated the pozzolanic activity of glass powder in all three particle sizes studied. The results of PAI with lime revealed pozzolanic activity of the 45 µm fraction while the performance index with cement showed the pozzolanicity of the 75 µm and 45 µm fractions according to ASTM C 618-05 (2005). It is concluded that the smallest glass fractions provided better reaction rates due to larger contact surfaces and are, therefore, considered pozzolans.

Keywords:
additions; pozzolanic activity; glass powder