Using steel slag aggregate to strengthen self-compacting concrete durability
Raed M. Abendeh, Mousa Bani Baker
Abstract
The aim of this study is to produce durable self-compacting concrete (SCC) using different fractions of recycled steel slag aggregates (SSA) by replacing natural aggregate. For this purpose, a series of nine mixing proportions were designed with a constant water-to-cement ratio of 0.34 and a change of SSA ratio replacing natural coarse or fine aggregates by weight from 0 to 50% (increments of 12.5%). For freshly mixed SCC, the flowability, passing and filling abilities, segregation and viscosity were observed by slump flow, slump-flow time (T 500 ), L-box and V-funnel empirical tests. Mechanical properties were tested for compressive and flexural strengths, while the durability characteristics were conducted for water absorption and permeability, sulfate attack and freeze–thaw action (F/T). Non-destructive measurement approaches (i.e. ultrasonic pulse velocity and resonance frequency) were involved in the F/T testing. The test results indicate that the incorporation of SSA in SCC is suitable and improves the mechanical strength and durability properties, and that enhancement is more pronounced at higher SSA increments, especially when replacing the coarse natural aggregate partially by coarse SSA.