Effects of steel slag powder on workability and durability of concrete

The workability and durability of a type of sustainable concrete made with steel slag powder were investigated. The hydrated products of cement paste with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) alone or with a combined admixture of GGBFS-steel slag powder were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the mechanism of chemically activated steel slag powder was also studied. The experimental results showed that when steel slag powder was added to concrete, the slumps through the same time were lower. The initial and final setting times were slightly retarded. The dry shrinkages were lower, and the abrasion resistance was better. The chemically activated steel slag powder could improve compressive strengths, resistance to chloride permeation and water permeation, as well as carbonization resistance. XRD patterns indicated that the activators enhanced the formation of calcium silicate hydrate(C-S-H) gel and ettringite (AFt). This research contributes to sustainable disposal of wastes and has the potential to provide several important environmental benefits.