Effect on the Compressive Strength of Mortars Using Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag as a Partial Replacement of Cement

Abstract

Mortar is widely used in the construction industry for different purposes. Its compressive strength is the main parameter which is brought under focus. Compressive strength of mortars depends upon many factors such as water-cement ratio, fine aggregates size, and different curing conditions. This experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effect of GGBFS on compressive strength of mortars under different curing regimes using GGBFS as a partial replacement of cement. A total of 60 cubes of standard size of 2 x 2 x 2 inches were casted in laboratory, out of which 12 cubes each were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% GGBFS replacement for cement. Cubes were cured for 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. Bases on obtained results it is observed that the maximum compressive strength was achieved by sample with 5% GGBFS, although 10% GGBFS samples achieved higher compressive strength than the control sample with 0% GGBFS. Further replacement beyond this value causes reduction in strength.