Partial Replacement of Steel Slag Aggregates in Concrete as Fine Aggregates (Induction Blast Furnace Slag)

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of partial replacement of conventional river sand with steel slag aggregate. The replacement of river sand by slag aggregate provides dual advantage of reducing disposal problems in steel industries and conserving the natural resources. In this study, slag aggregate originated from induction blast furnace has been used. The physical and chemical properties of slag aggregate evidenced the feasibility of using this material as a substitute for river sand. Total of three mixes made with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), cement replaced with fly ash and river sand replaced with slag aggregate have been considered for this study. The mix is designed for M40 grade. First mix (Control mix ₀M⁰) made of OPC as a binder and 100% river sand, second mix (₀M⁵⁰) made of OPC and 50% slag aggregate and third mix (₂₅M⁵⁰) made of 25% OPC replaced by fly ash and 50% river sand replaced by slag aggregate. Mechanical and durability properties of all the three concretes are studied. It is found that the strength results of ₀M⁰ and ₀M⁵⁰ are comparable indicating the suitability of using slag aggregate as an alternative for river sand. However, the third mix with fly ash replacement in binder showed reduced strength in comparison with control concrete. Hence, it is concluded that when slag aggregate is used as a partial replacement for river sand (50%), it is advisable to use OPC than the Pozzolanic Portland Cement (PPC).