Steel Slag as a Substitute for Natural Aggregate in the Production of Concrete

Abstract

This article presents the results of an experimental research dealing with the use of steel slag as a partial substitute for natural aggregates in the production of concrete composite. Comparative mixture based on natural aggregates was prepared from the fractions of 0/4, 4/8 and 8/16 mm, which were represented in the volume ratio of 40:30:30. During the experimental research, natural aggregates with the fractions of 4/8 mm, 8/16 mm were replaced with steel slag of the same faction. We have tested the input properties of natural aggregates and steel slag for the designed experimental mixtures (grain size, density, specific weight, powder density, absorption capacity, resistance to crushing, shape index). In case of concrete mixture prepared according to the experimental recipes, we have monitored the following characteristics: density of fresh concrete mixture, consistency of concrete mixture, strength characteristics - cube strength after 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 90 days, prism strength after 28 days. The research has discovered that substitution of natural aggregates with steel slag of the same fraction in concrete mixture is possible, without significantly affecting the strength properties of the concrete based on steel slag in comparison with the concrete based on natural aggregates.