Abstract
The high wear resistance and toughness of electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) means that this industrial by-product can successfully replace natural aggregate in hydraulic or bituminous concretes that withstand vehicle traffic. This article validates the use of concrete made with large amounts of EAFS for rigid pavements. Accordingly, three EAFS–concrete mixes made with metallic or synthetic fibers were designed. Their performance was studied through laboratory tests (compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength, and abrasion resistance) and field observations on full-scale slabs made with each of the studied mixes. All mechanical properties yielded adequate results for concrete for rigid pavements. The metallic fibers increased the strength and elastic stiffness by 7–10%, while the addition of synthetic fibers slowed the development of these properties over time. On the other hand, all the mixes allowed for a successful implementation of full-scale slabs, with none of them showing excessive deterioration after five years of exposure to the outdoor environment. Only minor cracking and some chips in the surface-treatment layer were detected. The strength development of the slabs and their slipperiness were adequate for use in high-speed pavements. The overall analysis of the results shows that concrete made with EAFS can be used in real rigid pavements.
Highlights
The concept of circular economy is of particular relevance in all productive sectors, such as the construction industry
The slabs made with the fiber-reinforced mixes (SAC/M and SAC/Y) did not incorporate any structural reinforcement, while the slab manufactured with the reference mix (SAC mix) incorporated two φ6 mm steel grids placed on the upper and lower faces, respectively
The high wear resistance of electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) makes it a mate can be successfully used as a substitute for natural aggregate in concrete pa
Summary
The concept of circular economy is of particular relevance in all productive sectors, such as the construction industry. Since the consumption of natural aggregates is very high, 3000 million tons of natural aggregates are consumed every year in the European Union alone [2], it is crucial to look for alternative materials that can replace them and reduce the great environmental impact caused by their extraction [3]. These alternative materials can be wastes and industrial by-products [4]. Their use has been tested in conventional concretes but has been extended to concretes with improved performance in the fresh or hardened state [8]
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