Title:
Enhancing Recycled Glass Powder Dispersion in UHPC: Understanding Pore Solution Chemistry and the Influence of PCE
Author(s):
A. Dahal, Y. Wang, K. Wille
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
369
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
29-36
Keywords:
Agglomeration, Dispersion, Polycarboxylate ether, Pressure squeezing, Recycled Glass powder Sedimentation, Vacuum filtration
DOI:
10.14359/51750719
Date:
5/1/2026
Abstract:
Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) provides excellent mechanical properties and durability but often relies on high cement content, raising sustainability concerns. To enhance environmental performance, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as recycled glass powder (RGP), are increasingly used as partial cement replacements. The efficiency of RGP as a reactive SCM is strongly influenced by its dispersion behavior, which depends on the chemical composition of the cement pore solution, including its pH and ionic concentration. In this study, pore solutions were extracted using vacuum filtration and pressure squeezing at varying water-to-cementitious ratios (w/cm) and pressures. Results showed that higher w/cm increased calcium concentrations and decreased alkali and sulfur content, whereas pressure squeezing yielded solutions that closely resembled those in UHPC. Sedimentation tests were performed in RGP suspensions prepared in deionized (DI) water, untreated pore solution, and polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based high-range water-reducing admixture (HRWRA) treated pore solution. Results indicated that untreated pore solutions caused rapid agglomeration and settling of RGP, whereas PCE addition stabilized suspensions and improved dispersion. The study advances understanding of RGP dispersion behavior and supports the more efficient utilization of SCMs, enabling reduced cement demand and more sustainable UHPC production.
Related References:
1. Schmidt, M., and Fehling, E. “Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: Research, Development and Application in Europe,” 2005.
2. Graybeal, B. “Ultra-High Performance Concrete,” 2011.
3. Wang, D., Shi, C., Farzadnia, N., et al. “A review on use of limestone powder in cement-based materials: Mechanism, hydration and microstructures,” Construction and Building Materials, V. 181, 2018, pp. 659–72.
4. Azmee, N. M., and Shafiq, N. “Ultra-high performance concrete: From fundamental to applications,” Case Studies in Construction Materials, V. 9, 2018.
5. Dhandapani, Y., Santhanam, M., Kaladharan, G., et al. “Towards ternary binders involving limestone additions — A review,” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 143, 2021, p. 106396.
6. Rai, B., Boisvert-Cotulio, C., and Wille, K. “Resource-efficient design of ultra-high performance concretes,” Journal of Building Engineering, V. 92, 2024, p. 109630.
7. Rai, B., and Wille, K. “Recycled glass powder as an alternative to fly ash in non-proprietary UHPC: A comparative study of resource-efficient design, mechanical and durability properties,” Journal of Cleaner Production, V. 451, 2024, p. 141907.
8. DAMINELI, B. L., PILEGGI, R. G., and JOHN, V. M. “Influence of packing and dispersion of particles on the cement content of concretes,” Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais, V. 10, No. 5, 2017, pp. 998–1024.
9. Wallevik, J. E. “Rheology of Particle Suspensions-Fresh Concrete, Mortar and Cement Paste with Various Types of Lignosulfates.” The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway, 2003.
10. Biever, J. “Alternate Methods for the Extraction and Measurement of Pore Solution in Fresh Concrete,” n.d.
11. Barneyback, R. S., and Diamond, S. “Expression and analysis of pore fluids from hardened cement pastes and mortars,” Cement and concrete research, V. 11, No. 2, 1981, pp. 279–85.
12. Longuet, P., Burglen, L., and Zelwer, A. “The Liquid Phase of Hydrated Cement,” Matér Constr Trav Publics, V. 676, 1973, pp. 35–41.
13. “ASTM C150/150M Standard Specification for Portland Cement,” 2024.
14. “ASTM C1866/C1866M-25 Standard Specification for Ground-Glass Pozzolan for Use in Concrete,” 2025.
15. “ASTM C494/C494M-24 Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete,” n.d.
16. Kissa, E. “Dispersions: characterization, testing, and measurement,” Routledge, 2017.
17. Cockbain, E. G. “THE AGGREGATION OF OIL PARTICLES IN EMULSIONS,” British Rubber Producers’ Research Association, 1951.
18. Mao, Y., Jiao, D., Hu, X., et al. “Dispersion behavior of silica fume in cementitious suspensions,” Cement and Concrete Composites, V. 151, 2024.