Industrial Impact of Partial Cement Replacement with Waste Glass on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Lightweight Foam Concrete

Abstract

This study evaluates the technological utilization of municipal solid waste and agricultural by-products to formulate eco-efficient building elements. The study aims to evaluate the technical performance, physical behavior, mechanical strengths, and fire resistance of lightweight foam concrete modified with varying percentages of waste glass as a partial cement replacement and reinforced with sustainable organic sisal fibers. Methodologically, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was systematically substituted by finely ground waste glass powder at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by mass, integrated with discrete treated sisal fibers spanning 0% to 2.0% volume fractions. Comprehensive experimental protocols were conducted to determine baseline bulk densities, specific gravity index thresholds, variations in water absorption, particle size distributions, hardened compressive performance, bending capacity, and high-temperature integrity. The experimental results demonstrated that the optimal batching layout was achieved at 15% waste glass replacement and 1.5% sisal fiber reinforcement, generating a substantial 28-day compressive strength of 9.06 MPa and an ultimate flexural strength of 6.57 MPa. Furthermore, durability assessments revealed outstanding performance characteristics, with the optimal material showing a low, stable dry bulk density of 1650 kg/m³ and maintaining an impressive 85% residual structural load-bearing capacity after high-temperature exposure up to 300°C. These outcomes highlight the commercial viability of this composite for thermal cladding panels, eco-friendly partition walls, lightweight floor screeds, and sustainable construction assemblies in modern low-cost green infrastructure.