This thesis stems from a research project conducted by a group of eight undergraduate engineering students while undertaking a six-month period of work placement at the Department of Infrastructure (DoI). As a result of this research project, a report was created which analyses the “feasibility of the Northern Territory to recycle waste materials to be used in construction (by means of) modifications to the DoI civil construction specifications” (Lolias Y, Kadirgamar K et.al, 2012). The report identified various materials that would be most suitable to be applied in civil construction. This thesis aims to investigate the applications of recycled crushed glass in civil construction in the Northern Territory. Applications of interest included:• Glass aggregate in road bases• Glass aggregate in concrete• Glass aggregate in asphaltGlass aggregate sourced from a local glass crushing plant was analysed for size distribution and compared to DoI standards. Initial tests showed that the sizes achieved from the glass crusher would not be suitable to be added to road bases. However, theoretical modelling showed that when varying concentrations of each size was used, it is possible to create a product of which a majority may pass a sieve distribution test. This would allow for higher concentrations of glass aggregate to be added to an existing fine crushed rock and sand-clay material. Experiments were also conducted on the use of glass aggregate as a substitute for fine aggregate in concrete. Fine glass particles passing a 600μm sieve were used as a substitute in varying quantities. Initial tests were inconclusive. However, the results showed that the concrete design used for the 0% glass was sound. Further testing yielded more consistent results. It was seen that at 28 days, the cylinders containing 10% glass failed at strengths higher than designed. This showed that, at this quantity, fine crushed glass performs at a level comparable to natural aggregate.
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