Evaluating the strength and durability characteristics of concrete incorporating steel slag, GGBS and silica fume

Abstract

The construction industry plays a noteworthy role in environmental degradation as it exhausts natural resources extensively. Utilising by-products and wastes in concrete is a sustainable approach to generating environmentally-friendly concrete. This paper aims to create an environmentally friendly concrete by incorporating Steel Slag, GGBS, and Silica Fume in concrete. The study concentrates on the effect of Steel Slag (aggregates replacement) and GGBS & Silica Fume (as supplementary cementitious material) on the strength and durability characteristics of concrete. The experimental programme demonstrates that incorporating Steel slag as aggregate substitute hindered the strength properties of the concrete and improved the durability. The use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) into steel slag concrete greatly enhance its strength and durability. SS50G20SF10 mix had strength properties similar to that of CM, while the mix had a superior durability compared to CM. Overall, this study's findings indicate that using Steel Slag in combination with SCMs enhances concrete's overall performance and suggests that it might be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option than normal concrete.