University of Queensland PhD candidate Danish Kazmi is developing a technique to transform glass waste into geotechnical columns and reduce the use of sand in the construction industry.
The geotechnical engineering student is investigating the use of crushed glass waste as an alternative to sand for ground improvement during construction works.
“Both sand and glass waste have a similar chemical composition, so we expect them to behave similarly when optimally used in geotechnical construction,” Mr Kazmi said.
“My research looks at the performance of glass waste within ground columns as an environmentally friendly alternative to sand columns, which are commonly used at the moment.”
Mr Kazmi said the columns are designed to strengthen the earth below a building and improve its load-bearing characteristics.
“Using glass waste in this way not only preserves precious sand resources and promotes closed-loop recycling, but could also reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry by cutting down on the amount of sand that needed to be quarried,” Mr Kazmi said.
“I have always been passionate about helping to create circular economies.”
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