Improvement of mechanical and transport properties of reactive powder concrete using graphene nanoplatelet and waste glass aggregate

In this study, the use of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) and waste glass aggregate (WGA) was investigated to improve the mechanical and transport properties of reactive powder concrete (RPC), which is an ultra-high strength concrete type. The co-addition of 0.14% GNP and 30% WGA resulted in a significant increase in the compressive strength of RPC from 192.9 to 258.9 MPa and flexural strength from 16.2 to 38.7 MPa. In the study, the most significant improvement (138.6%) was obtained for the flexural strength values of RPC. Considering the strength aspects, the relevant amounts of GNP and WGA enable production of RPC ensuring a conducted electrical charge of less than 100 Coulombs; that is, with negligible chloride ion permeability. Accordingly, the highest improvement (59.8%) after flexural strength was found for the resistance of the specimens against chloride ion penetrability. In conclusion, the findings of this study show that eco-efficient production of RPC with superior mechanical and durability characteristics can be achieved using GNP and WGA, with lower cement consumption per unit value of these studied characteristics, reaching 59%.