Properties of cupola slag as a pozzolana and its effects on partial replacement of cement in a mortar

Abstract

Investigations conducted on the pozzolanic properties of a cupola slag revealed that on the basis of chemical constituents alone, the cupola slag could be considered a pozzolana. Physical tests, however, showed that the slag exhibited little pozzolanic activity. An improvement in physical properties was obtained by calcining the slag at 700°C for 5 hr. Without sacrificing appreciable strength (e.g. a 13.5% reduction in strength), up to 20% replacement of Portland cement by cupola slag is possible in the preparation of cement mortar. This results in appreciable cost savings in areas where cement is expensive and cupola slag is considered a waste product.