Abstract
In this work, the effects of replacing the aggregates of self-compacting concrete by air-cooled blast furnace slag have been analysed. Different mixes have been manufactured by substituting the fine and coarse natural aggregates by air-cooled blast furnace slag. The fracture energy and the tensile and compressive strength have been determined for each mix. The self-compacting properties of the mixes, or the absence of them, have been observed. The main goals of this research are the decrease of the price of aggregates, reduction of the industrial waste, and attenuation the rate of consumption of natural resources. The results show that the self-compactability of the concrete is gradually lost as the slag content is increased, thus, when the ratio of replacement is low, the concrete keeps the self-compacting properties. Nevertheless, the loss of self-compaction affects the mechanical properties by increasing its strength. An air-cooled blast furnace slag did not present problems of heavy metals leaching.
Highlights
Blast furnace slag (BFS) is a non-metallic industrial by-product, which is produced in blast furnaces by the melting of the iron ore, producing molten pig iron [1]
Mix II has a slightly higher granulometry that explains the higher porosity, which causes this decrease on density; mix III is made with coarse slag aggregate, which—as shown in Figure 2—had irregularities and cavities in the surface of the grains, causing the lower density on the mixture when compared with mix I
The results show that the air-cooled blast furnace slag can be considered as an inert waste
Summary
Blast furnace slag (BFS) is a non-metallic industrial by-product, which is produced in blast furnaces by the melting of the iron ore, producing molten pig iron [1]. The blast furnace slag can be granulated slag (GBFS) or air-cooled blast furnace slag (ACBFS). The main use of granulated blast furnace slag is cement production [4], but GBFS can be used as any other additive to concrete or as part of alkali activated materials. The use of slag aggregate as substitute of natural coarse and fine aggregate instead of supplementary cementitious material has not been widely studied in self-compacting concretes. This application leads to the elimination of aggregate grinding and, a reduction of production costs. The use of ACBFS as substitute of natural aggregates could lead to a higher water absorption of mix, and the direct substitution of aggregates must be properly studied
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