A Critical Review of the Utilization of Recycled Glass in Transportation Infrastructure Including Roads and Railways

Buddhima Indraratna (), Nekasiny Thayananthan, Yujie Qi and Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn
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Buddhima Indraratna: Transport Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Nekasiny Thayananthan: Transport Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Yujie Qi: Transport Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn: Transport Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-28

Abstract: The global production of waste glass and the challenges associated with its reuse and disposal highlight the urgent need for effective alternatives to prevent the accumulation of landfill. Researchers have already explored the potential of replacing naturally quarried aggregates with waste glass to minimize its accumulation in landfills and the depletion of natural resources. Previous studies have reported that recycled crushed glass (RCG) has a high silica content, angularity, shear strength, and durability, properties which make it a promising material for construction applications. However, there are limited assessments in the existing literature of the performance of RCG as a construction material for transportation infrastructure. This paper reviews the physical, chemical, and geotechnical properties of RCG reported in the literature and compares their findings; it also discusses the existing studies related to its suitability for field applications. This paper also highlights the environmental impact and health concerns of replacing natural aggregates with waste glass by emphasizing its role in sustainable development and the circular economy in the construction of transportation infrastructure.

Keywords: recycled crushed glass; physical properties; chemical properties; engineering performance; transport infrastructures; environmental impacts; health concerns (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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