Assessing the Effects of Steelmaking Slag Powder on the Pore Structure and Durability of Concrete

Abstract

This study analyzes the pore structure and durability of concrete according to four different ratios of steelmaking slag powder (SSP). Concrete containing SSP increased the formation of gel and capillary pores due to delayed hydration, and the largest cumulative pore volume was observed when the incorporation ratio was 20%. In terms of durability, the incorporation of SSP had decreased performance compared to concrete without SSP (NN), which was due to changes in the pore structure caused by incorporating SSP. In the case of the freezing and thawing resistance, concrete containing 10% SSP showed a remarkable relative dynamic elastic modulus of more than 80%, and a similar carbonation depth was predicted within 15% of SSP. In addition, the resistance performance of chloride ion migration in concrete with SSP was excellent. Accordingly, it can be utilized as a supplementary cementitious material if the freezing and thawing resistance of concrete containing 15% SSP is secured.