The Problem of Glass Waste

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 114 views

Introduction

The world is facing a significant environmental crisis, with the increasing amount of waste generated by human activities posing a major threat to the planet. One of the most pressing issues is the management of solid waste, particularly glass waste, which is a major contributor to environmental pollution. In this context, the use of glass waste for the manufacture of fiber concrete offers a promising solution. This article discusses the results of a research study conducted at the Concrete Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Department, University of North Sumatra (USU) Medan, which explored the potential of using glass waste as a sustainable material in the construction industry.

The Problem of Glass Waste

Glass solid waste is a serious problem in many regions, with some waste undergoing a recycling process. However, this process often has not fully resolved the problem of glass waste, which can damage the environment, especially in terms of aesthetics. The increasing amount of glass waste poses a significant threat to the environment, and it is essential to find innovative solutions to manage this waste. One such solution is the use of glass waste for the manufacture of fiber concrete.

Methodology

The research study conducted at the Concrete Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Department, University of North Sumatra (USU) Medan, used a factorial random group design (rack) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was a variation of concrete mixtures with additional glass fiber in five levels: concrete without glass fiber (C0), concrete with 5% glass fiber (C1), 10% glass fiber (C2), 15% glass fiber (C3), and 20% glass fiber (C4). The second factor was the length of time of testing consisting of five levels, namely 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days.

Results

The results of the study showed that concrete tensile strength increased significantly along with the addition of glass fiber. Data shows that the maximum value of concrete tensile strength is achieved at a 15% glass fiber percentage for each test period. This indicates that the addition of glass fibers in a concrete mixture effectively increases tensile strength.

Economic Analysis

From the economic analysis, the cost of making 1 m³ of concrete without glass fiber is higher than the concrete containing glass fiber. Based on the calculation of the cost budget carried out by Ir. Moko Muko, there is a savings of 4.61% using glass fiber concrete. This shows that the use of glass waste as glass fiber in making concrete not only provides advantages in terms of engineering and the environment, but also offers economic advantages.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study is that the use of glass waste as glass fiber in making concrete fiber is suitable for doing. This departs from an environmental perspective, technical or physical aspects, as well as economic aspects. By utilizing glass waste, it will not only reduce environmental pollution but also improve the quality and efficiency in the construction industry. Given the importance of solid waste pollution problems, this solution is very relevant and has the potential to be widely applied in various development projects.

Implications and Recommendations

The findings of this study have significant implications for the construction industry, particularly in terms of waste management and sustainable development. The use of glass waste as glass fiber in making concrete offers a promising solution to the problem of environmental pollution. The study recommends that the construction industry adopt this innovative solution to reduce waste and improve the quality of construction materials.

Future Research Directions

The study highlights the need for further research in the area of sustainable construction materials. Future research should focus on exploring the potential of using other types of waste materials in the manufacture of fiber concrete. Additionally, the study recommends that the government and regulatory bodies develop policies and guidelines to promote the use of sustainable construction materials.

References

[1] Moko Muko, I. (2003). Utilization of glass waste for making fiber concrete. Concrete Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Department, University of North Sumatra (USU) Medan.
[2] [Insert other relevant references]

Appendix

[Insert any additional information or data that may be relevant to the study]

Abstract

Q: What is the problem with glass waste?

A: Glass solid waste is a serious problem in many regions, with some waste undergoing a recycling process. However, this process often has not fully resolved the problem of glass waste, which can damage the environment, especially in terms of aesthetics.

Q: How does the use of glass waste for the manufacture of fiber concrete help to solve the problem of glass waste?

A: The use of glass waste as glass fiber in making concrete offers a promising solution to the problem of environmental pollution. By utilizing glass waste, it will not only reduce environmental pollution but also improve the quality and efficiency in the construction industry.

Q: What are the benefits of using glass waste for the manufacture of fiber concrete?

A: The benefits of using glass waste for the manufacture of fiber concrete include:

Increased tensile strength of concrete
Improved durability of concrete
Reduced environmental pollution
Cost savings
Improved quality and efficiency in the construction industry

Q: How does the addition of glass fiber affect the tensile strength of concrete?

A: The results of the study show that concrete tensile strength increases significantly along with the addition of glass fiber. Data shows that the maximum value of concrete tensile strength is achieved at a 15% glass fiber percentage for each test period.

Q: What is the economic benefit of using glass waste for the manufacture of fiber concrete?

A: From the economic analysis, the cost of making 1 m³ of concrete without glass fiber is higher than the concrete containing glass fiber. Based on the calculation of the cost budget carried out by Ir. Moko Muko, there is a savings of 4.61% using glass fiber concrete.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the construction industry?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for the construction industry, particularly in terms of waste management and sustainable development. The use of glass waste as glass fiber in making concrete offers a promising solution to the problem of environmental pollution.

Q: What are the future research directions in this area?

A: The study highlights the need for further research in the area of sustainable construction materials. Future research should focus on exploring the potential of using other types of waste materials in the manufacture of fiber concrete.

Q: How can the government and regulatory bodies support the use of sustainable construction materials?

A: The government and regulatory bodies can support the use of sustainable construction materials by developing policies and guidelines to promote the use of sustainable construction materials.

Q: What are the potential applications of this technology?

A: The potential applications of this technology include:

Construction of buildings and infrastructure
Road construction
Bridge construction
Other civil engineering projects

Q: What are the potential challenges and limitations of this technology?

A: The potential challenges and limitations of this technology include:

High cost of production
Limited availability of glass waste
Need for further research and development
Regulatory and policy issues

Q: How can the public get involved in promoting the use of sustainable construction materials?

A: The public can get involved in promoting the use of sustainable construction materials by:

Supporting companies that use sustainable construction materials
Advocating for policies and guidelines that promote the use of sustainable construction materials
Educating themselves and others about the benefits of sustainable construction materials
Participating in research and development efforts to improve the technology.