Investigation of the effects of industrial waste materials on the abrasion resistance of cement mortars

With the growing environmental concerns and the depletion of natural resources, the search for alternative materials in the construction industry has become a critical area of research. In this context, the recycling of waste glass into cementbased composites presents significant potential both environmentally and economically. This thesis investigates the mechanical performance of cement mortars incorporating two different forms of waste glass — finely ground glass powder (GP) and glass fibers (GF). Within the scope of the experimental program, glass powder was used as a partial replacement for cement at substitution levels of 10%, 20%, and 30%, while glass fibers were added at a fixed dosage of 1% by volume. The prepared mortar mixtures were subjected to curing periods of 7, 28, and 56 days. Subsequently, compressive strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance, and flowability tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical and physical performance. The results reveal that glass powder enhances strength characteristics due to its pozzolanic activity and micro-filling capability, whereas glass fibers contribute significantly to flexural performance and abrasion resistance through crack-bridging effects. Nevertheless, it was also observed that exceeding certain content thresholds may adversely affect matrix integrity and overall performance. The findings demonstrate that waste glass can be effectively utilized as a sustainable and performance-enhancing additive in cement-based systems. Keywords: Sustainable Construction, Waste Glass, Glass Powder, Glass Fiber, Cement Mortar