Effects of electric arc furnace slag powder and fly ash within ternary waste blend on performance of concrete

Abstract

Recently, research on utilising industrial and natural waste has advanced owing to their environmental concerns, including soil and groundwater contamination. Most such waste possess zero or low commercial value, yet it is stored, occupying large storage yards. Iron and steel factories and quarries worldwide produce large amounts of waste annually. This study used three types of steel mill waste (electric arc furnace slag powder, fly ash and steel sludge and natural waste from quarries limestone dust, marble dust, and recycled glass powder) as supplementary cementitious materials with the aim of producing an economical and environmentally friendly ternary waste binder. To determine the appropriate waste blend compounds of mixes, the study was conducted in three stages. First, waste mortars were used to mix, tests of mortars properties were conducted, and the properties of the mix were compared with those of a control mortar mix. Second, concrete was mixed from the waste blend with the most suitable properties. Finally, durability tests on the concrete were performed. Ternary residue having 4.5% SP, 10% FA, and 4.5% SS with 18% replacement of cement and that having 3.75% SP, 7.5% FA, and 3.75% LD with 15% replacement of cement achieved the requirements of concrete and improved the compressive strength and durability towards sulfate and chloride attack, including impermeability and resistance.