Induction furnace slag as fine and coarse aggregate in quaternary blended self-compacting concrete: A comprehensive study on durability and performance

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This research explores the innovative use of Induction Furnace slag Aggregate (IF-slag) as both fine and coarse aggregates in Quaternary Blended Self-Compacting Concrete (QBSCC) mixes, an area that has received limited attention in previous studies. The primary aim is to compare the durability characteristics of QBSCC mixes containing natural aggregate versus those incorporating IF-slag aggregate. A total of 18 SCC mixes were prepared in two groups: one using natural aggregate and the other using IF-slag aggregate. Each group consisted of eight optimized QBSCC mixes alongside a reference SCC mix. The QBSCC mixes were formulated using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) such as Silica Fume (SF), Class F-Fly Ash (FAF), and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). Previous work by the authors analysed the fresh and mechanical properties of these QBSCC mixes. This study assesses various durability properties, including water absorption, permeable pore volume, absorption coefficient sorptivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, resistance to chloride ion penetration, electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity. Experimental findings indicate that SCC prepared with IF-slag exhibited inferior durability performance compared to natural aggregate. However, regardless of aggregate type, QBSCC mixes outperformed the SCC mix containing 100% OPC. Notably, the SCC-47.5 (OPC)/52.5(SCM) QBSCC mix demonstrated significant improvements in durability properties, achieving a reduction of 25% in water absorption, 24% in permeable pore volume, 48% in absorption coefficient, and 46% in sorptivity. QBSCC mixes also exhibited resistance to chloride ion penetration and enhanced electrical resistivity. Moreover, using quaternary blends reduced the thermal conductivity and improved the energy efficiency.