Laboratory Characterization and Field Application of Novel Ultra-High-Performance Glass Concrete

A new type of ecological ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) was developed at the University of Sherbrooke using waste glass of varying particle size distributions, named ultra-high-performance glass concrete (UHPGC). The current research presents laboratory characterization of various UHPGC mixtures in comparison to traditional UHPC mixtures. The research focuses on large-scale application through a scaling-up by using a concrete pilot plant. The research also presents field validation of the optimized UHPGC mixture by erection of two footbridges as a case study. The UHPGC provides high workability and enhanced rheological properties, given the zero absorption of glass particles and optimized packing density of the entire material matrix. The UHPGC greatly improves the concrete microstructure, resulting in higher mechanical and durability properties, which are greater than the traditional UHPC. A compressive strength greater than 200 MPa (29,007 psi) can be obtained for the UHPGC. The higher mechanical properties allowed the footbridges ' design with approximately 60% reduced sections compared to normal concrete. The UHPGC improves durability, resulting in reduction of maintenance cost. Compared to traditional UHPC, the UHPGC reduces carbon footprint and production cost of UHPC by employing more than 400 kg/[m.sup.3] of glass materials, and also saves money spent for the treatment and landfilling of glass cullets. Keywords: field validation; footbridges; glass powder; large-scale production; sustainability; ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC); ultra-highperformance glass concrete characterization (UHPGC).