Strength development characteristics of concrete produced with blended cement using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) under various curing conditions

Abstract

To reduce the embodied carbon dioxide of structural concrete, Portland cement (PC) in concrete can be partially replaced with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). In this research effect of partial replacement of cement with GGBS on strength development of concrete and cured under summer and winter curing environments is established. Three levels of cement substitution i.e., 30%, 40% and 50% have been selected. Early-age strength of GGBS concrete is lower than the normal PC concrete which limits its use in the fast-track construction and post-tensioned beams which are subjected to high early loads. The strength gain under winter curing condition was observed as slower. By keeping the water cement ratio low as 0.35, concrete containing GGBS up to 50% can achieve high early-age strength. GGBS concrete gains more strength than the PC concrete after the age of 28 day till 56 day. The mechanical properties of blended concrete for various levels of cement replacement have been observed as higher than control concrete mix having no GGBS.