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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

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Published on: June 27, 2018
Sustainable RC Beams with Agricultural Waste Fine Aggregate and Glass Powder: Structural Evaluation under Bending
Ziadoon M Ali1, Sheelan Mahmoud Hama2, Nahla Hilal3
1Construction and Projects Department, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Anbar, Iraq.
Background:
This experimental study evaluates the structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams incorporating walnut shell fine aggregate (WFA) and 15% powdered waste glass (PWG).
Method:
Eight simply-supported RC beams were cast and tested in two series: Group 1 (beams with transverse stirrups i.e. flexure-dominated) and Group 2 (beams without stirrups i.e. shear-dominated). Mixes included a control (0% WFA) and three WFA replacement levels (10%, 20%, 30% by volume of sand), with PWG fixed at 15% of cement in all mixes. Tests included 28-day compressive strength, density measurements, and two-point bending load-deflection tests.
Results:
Results show that 10% WFA replacement enhanced compressive strength by 3-5%, flexural capacity by ~6%, and ductility by 64%, while reducing density by 6-8%. Higher WFA contents reduced stiffness but improved energy absorption and crack distribution.
Conclusions:
The findings confirm that moderate WFA replacement (≤10%) combined with PWG yields eco-efficient RC beams with improved ductility and reduced dead load.
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