The Effect of Utilizing Steel Slag as A Partial Replacement for Cement and Aggregate On the Mechanical Properties of Concrete
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23918/eajse.v11i3p8Keywords:
Steel Slag, Concrete, Cement Replacement, Aggregate Replacement, Mechanical PropertiesAbstract
This research evaluated the mechanical properties of concrete utilizing steel slag (SS), an industrial by-product, as a partial replacement for cement, sand, and gravel. A water-cement ratio of 0.45 was used to produce concrete mixtures with varying replacement levels of 0-20% for cement, 0-100% for sand, and 0-100% for gravel. The workability of fresh concrete was measured, while compressive strength was measured at 28, 56, 90, and 180 days, and flexural and splitting tensile strengths were recorded at 28 days. The results showed that the angularity, rough texture, and increased water absorption of steel slag decreased workability. The use of steel slag as a replacement for cement resulted in decreased compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths, with optimal performance noted at a 20% replacement level. However, a 25% sand replacement increased compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths, whereas higher percentages reduced performance. The optimal gravel replacement was 50%, which surpassed the control mix in both compressive and flexural strength. Durability results showed that 10% cement replacement lowered early strength but improved with curing time, remaining lower than the control. Early-age strength and long-term performance were equivalent to conventional concrete with 25% sand replacement. The mixture with 25% gravel replacement exhibited better long-term compressive strength relative to the control mixture. Steel slag is more effective as a partial aggregate replacement than as a cement replacement. Concrete strength and durability are enhanced with 25% sand replacement and 50% gravel replacement, facilitating sustainable concrete production.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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