Study of properties of mortar containing cathode ray tubes (CRT) glass as replacement for river sand fine aggregate

The cathode ray tubes (CRTs) glass of discarded computer monitors and television sets are identified as hazardous materials due to its high content of lead, however, nowadays appropriate CRT glass remediation technologies are insufficient. This research work studies the feasibility of CRT glass (MG, G) use in the mortar as natural river sand fine aggregate replacement. Fly ash (F) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) as mineral admixture were used to replace 25% Portland cement. The effect of MG, G on the fresh mortar behavior and properties of mortar containing different mineral admixtures were investigated, the results showed higher initial slump flow diameter values and better slump flow preservation. Higher mechanical properties of mortar were observed when natural river sand (R) was replaced by MG, G, while the presence of the MG, G in mortar enhanced drying shrinkage and alkali-silica reaction (ASR) expansion values.

► The feasibility of CRT glass (MG, G) use in the mortar as natural river sand replacement was studied.
► Based on the results of this experimental investigation, the following conclusions are drawn.
► Mortar with MG, G fine aggregates has higher initial slump flow diameter values and better slump flow preservation.
► Higher mechanical properties of mortar were observed when natural river sand (R) was replaced by MG, G,).
► The presence of MG, G glass in mortar enhanced drying shrinkage and alkali-silica reaction (ASR) expansion values.