In the heart of Algiers, researchers have been quietly revolutionizing the way we think about concrete, and their findings could send ripples through the construction and energy sectors. Souhila Fergani, a civil engineering expert from the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), has been leading a team that’s exploring the combined effects of waste glass powder and recycled sand on steel fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete. Their work, recently published in ‘ITEGAM-JETIA’ (translated to English as ‘Journal of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation Applications’), is not just about sustainability; it’s about redefining performance standards.
Fergani and her team have been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with waste materials. “We’re not just looking at waste glass and recycled sand as cheap alternatives,” Fergani explains. “We’re exploring how they can enhance the properties of concrete, making it stronger, more durable, and ultimately, more valuable.”
The team’s research is a testament to the power of systematic mixture optimization. By carefully balancing waste glass powder (WGP) and recycled sand (RS) from construction demolition waste, they’ve managed to create a concrete mix that’s not only sustainable but also high-performing. The optimal formulation they’ve discovered—a blend of 15% waste glass powder, 15% recycled sand, and 0.9% steel fibers—has shown impressive results. Compressive strengths of 53.4 MPa at 28 days, increasing to 64.8 MPa at 90 days, and a flexural capacity of 8.2 MPa are figures that the industry can’t ignore.
But what does this mean for the energy sector? The implications are significant. As the world shifts towards sustainable construction, the demand for high-performance, eco-friendly materials is growing. Fergani’s research could pave the way for new standards in energy-efficient buildings, where the materials themselves contribute to the structure’s sustainability.
Moreover, the use of waste materials in concrete production could help reduce the environmental impact of construction projects, a critical factor for energy companies looking to minimize their carbon footprint. “This isn’t just about meeting regulations,” Fergani notes. “It’s about setting new benchmarks for what sustainable construction can achieve.”
The team’s use of Design-Expert 13 software to facilitate response surface methodology optimization is a game-changer. This approach challenges conventional additive assumptions, revealing complex material interactions that could lead to even more innovative formulations in the future.
As the construction industry grapples with the challenges of sustainability and performance, Fergani’s research offers a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder that the solutions to our most pressing problems often lie in the most unexpected places—like waste glass and recycled sand. The future of construction is not just about building; it’s about reimagining the materials we use and the impact they have on our world. And with researchers like Souhila Fergani at the helm, that future is looking brighter than ever.