Use of recycled glass as partial replacement of natural sand in tile adhesive mortars

The main aim of the paper is to evaluate performances of tile adhesive mortars produced with recycled glass powder as partial replacement of natural sand and calcium carbonate filler. An experimental activity was carried out in order to use glassy waste in production of pre-packed mortars for tile installation having performances comparable to those of products currently available on the market in order to reduce both the consumption of virgin raw materials (sand and limestone filler) in the industrial process and the amount of waste to landfill. Glassy waste coming from recycling of glass packaging seems to be particularly indicated to manufacture cementitious mixtures since it can act as pozzolanic material improving both Theological and physical properties of proprietary mortars for repair of reinforced concrete structures, protective and decorative coatings for walls and adhesives for ceramic tile and natural stone installation. Re-use of glassy waste, finally, has beneficial effects in terms of both cost reduction and environmental impact