Expansion due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) of glass cullet used in concrete

Recovery of post-consumer container glass for recycling in glass manufacture is a practice with excellent sustainability credentials, since it reduces furnace energy demand, reduces pressures on primary mineral resources and diverts waste away from landfill disposal. However, circumstances may arise which prevent quantities of cullet being used in this way. One possible alternative application for glass is as a constituent material in concrete. Expansive alkali-silica reaction (ASR) has been the biggest barrier to this mode of use, and, therefore, it is vital to closely study this potentially deleterious process. This paper examines the behaviour of glass in concrete with regards to expansive ASR.