Performance of hydraulic mixes manufactured with electric arc furnace slag aggregates

Abstract

Electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) has for many years simply been dumped in landfill sites; over the past few decades many researchers have investigated its reuse in cement mortar and concrete. By doing so, a waste product may be converted into a useful material with added value as a substitute for natural resources, the consumption of which is also minimized. Hydraulic mixes manufactured with EAFS normally have similar or even better hardened properties than mixes manufactured with natural aggregates. One disadvantage in the use of EAFS has been the poorer workability of the mixes, due to its higher density, porosity and water absorption levels. In this research, different EAFS mixes are manufactured and their properties in the fresh and the hardened state are closely analyzed; the results were very promising. The aim of this research is to demonstrate that EAFS concrete can achieve an acceptable workability at the correct dosages.