Steel Slag as a Sustainable Substitute in Concrete

This chapter explores the use of steel slag (SS) as a sustainable substitute in concrete, focusing on its potential as a partial cement replacement and aggregate. The study evaluates three concrete mixes: M1 (control mix with natural aggregate), M2 (replacing natural aggregate with steel slag), and M3 (incorporating steel slag powder and fly ash). Key findings include the increased density and accelerated setting time of concrete with steel slag, as well as improved long-term strength and microstructural refinement when combined with fly ash. The study also highlights the enhanced flexural strength and reduced porosity achieved through the use of steel slag. SEM analysis confirms the positive impact of steel slag and fly ash on hydration and microstructural refinement, suggesting that steel slag is a promising alternative material for sustainable concrete applications. However, the relatively high density of steel slag limits its application in certain structural contexts, indicating the need for further research and design optimizations.