Effects of Different Curing Methods on the Strength Development of Concrete Containing Waste Glass as Substitute for Natural Aggregate

Concrete curing is fundamental to achieve quality and durable concrete. This study examines the influence of curing methods on the mechanical strength development of concrete comprises of waste soda lime glass pulverized into fine and coarse aggregate sizes as partial and complete replacement for natural aggregates in concrete. The primary variables considered are the curing methods. The glass content was varied in steps of 25% by weight from 0 – 100% to replace both natural fine and coarse aggregate in the concrete mixes. Concrete mixes were batched using a mix ratio of 1:2:4 (cement: sand: granite) at water-binder ratio of 0.5 targeting a moderate strength of 20 MPa. Forty-five (45) number concrete cubes and cylinders were cast and tested after 7, 14 and 28 days of curing using two curing methods; namely plastic membrane sheet covering and total immersion in water. The results obtained clearly indicate that waste glass concrete cured by complete immersion in water showed better performance in strength development than those cured by plastic membrane covering. Generally, the results indicate that concrete mix produced with 25% glass content exhibit significant strength that compared well with the control at 28 days of curing