Benefits of Incorporating Induction Furnace Slag in Concrete as Replacement of Cement: A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract

As Pakistan along with the rest of the world continues to develop, demand for limited natural resources continues to increase also. This demand for resources and subsequent waste that is generated has driven the idea of sustainability towards the forefront of modern day research. To achieve this goal, new and innovative ways are being developed to recycle waste materials that otherwise would end up in landfill sites. Slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing is one such waste material. Pakistan as being a developing country does not have proper facilities to insure safe disposal and recycling of slag. Hence, new and innovative ways for recycling slag are a necessity for Pakistan to move towards technological advancement. Current study focuses to explore the feasibility of using local induction furnace slag as partial substitute of OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) in concrete as well as to check its performance against chloride and sulphate damage. The test results showed that 15% or more slag replacement will make the concrete immune to chloride and sulphate damage. However, results also indicate that with increase in slag replacement percentage there is a significant drop in compressive, flexural and split tensile strength of concrete. Keeping in view the loss of strength, immunity against chloride and sulphate damage, reduction in cost of making concrete and sustainability benefits; 15% slag replacement has been deemed optimum replacement value.