Aida Rahmani
Candidature:
PhD Candidate
Thesis Title:
Durability of Novel Structural Concrete Containing High Volume Waste Glass
Research Project:
This research project aims to investigate the durability properties (acid, sulphate, chloride, carbonation, and alkali-silica reaction) of a novel structural concrete recently developed in Professor Zhong Tao’s research group at Western Sydney University. The developed concrete contains over 80% waste glass used as aggregates and binder and has excellent fresh and mechanical properties. Because of limited established markets for recycled glass, substantial stockpiling of recyclable and recycled waste glass currently exists across Australia. This research will provide a suite of novel solutions to maximise the application of waste glass in structural concrete by fully replacing gravel and sand with crushed glass and up to 72% of cement with glass powder. This will provide practical solutions to address not only Australia's glass recycling crisis but also the worldwide issue of waste glass disposal. Nevertheless, in order for this novel type of environmentally friendly concrete to be accepted by industry and commercialised, it is necessary to investigate and improve the durability of this waste glass-based concrete and compare the results with that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. The innovations in developing sustainable concrete and associated construction are at the forefront of international trends, which will address the need to promote sustainable construction and a circular economy. Recycling waste glass for developing cementitious and geopolymeric concretes as sustainable construction materials have recently attracted increasing attentions for the construction industry. The research outcomes will resolve Australia's glass recycling crisis, which will provide significant commercial, economic, social, and environmental benefits to the Australian community.
Research Project Supervisor/s:
Professor Zhong Tao (Principal), Doctor Utsab Katwal
Publications:
https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=NqT7zEoAAAAJ&hl=en
