Performance, durability, and alkali–silica reaction of low-carbon concrete incorporating soda-lime glass powder and class F fly ash

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-15-2026

Abstract

The utilization of soda-lime glass powder (GP) as a supplementary cementitious material is often constrained by concerns regarding limited performance development and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) due to initial high-alkali content. This study demonstrates that these limitations can be overcome through incorporation of Class F fly ash (FFA), enabling the development of low-carbon cementitious systems with enhanced durability and controlled alkali activity. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to investigate hydration kinetics, phase assemblage evolution, pore structure refinement, mechanical performance, and ASR durability in binary and ternary GP-FFA blended systems. The results indicate that incorporating 10% GP improved the 28 days mechanical properties, while higher GP and FFA replacement levels generally maintained or reduced strength performance due to reduced clinker content. Ternary blends containing 20% GP and 15-30% FFA achieved higher concrete electrical resistivity and stronger resistance of chloride penetration. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed sustained pozzolanic consumption of portlandite and progressive stabilization of carbonate-bearing AFm phases. Nitrogen adsorption results confirmed significant pore structure refinement in ternary mixtures. Accelerated mortar bar test and miniature concrete prism test showed that ASR expansion was reduced by 80% when GP and FFA were incorporated into cement. Saturation indices analysis further reveals that combined use of soda-lime GP and FFA synergistically mitigates ASR by promoting alkali-binding C–S–H formation while suppressing the stability of expansive phases such as Na-shlykovite, thereby reducing pore solution alkalinity and reducing the formation of ASR products.

Publication Title

Journal of Building Engineering

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