Mass Concrete with EAF Steel Slag Aggregate: Workability, Strength, Temperature Rise, and Environmental Performance

Abstract

Temperature control is the primary concern during the design and construction process of mass concrete structures. As the concrete production has an enormous negative environmental impact, the development of green mass concretes will eventually become as important as the thermal characteristics. Therefore, this paper investigates the use of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel slag aggregate for the partial replacement of the natural aggregate in the production of mass concrete. The impact of EAF steel aggregate on mass concrete workability, strength, and thermal behaviour was analysed. In addition, a cradle-to-gate LCA study was conducted to evaluate the environmental footprint and sustainability potential of the tested mass concrete mixtures. The study results suggest that the use of EAF steel slag aggregate in combination with a low-heat cement with a high content of blast furnace slag can significantly lower the temperature, reduce the environmental impact, and increase the sustainability potential of mass concrete, while at the same time providing sufficient workability and compressive strength. The study results indicate that EAF steel slag can be upcycled into an aggregate for the production of green mass concrete mixtures.

Utilisation of Reused Steel and Slag: Analysing the Circular Economy Benefits through Three Case Studies

“…The EAF C steel slag considered in this study is a by-product of the SIJ Acroni steel mill, the largest Slovenian steel producer [40]. Steel is produced via two methods: the Basic Oxygen Process (BOP), which is the traditional method of steel production, and EAF steelmaking.…”

“…However, the choice between BOP and EAF steelmaking often depends on the specific needs and resources of the steel producer. Both methods of steel production generate by-products, including steel slag, which is a significant consideration in the environmental and economic aspects of steel production [40].…”

“…Steel and slag waste materials can be transformed into valuable resources by implementing several strategies. These materials often contain valuable metals that can be recovered through various processing techniques [40]. Steel metallics can be retrieved from slag-by-slag processors, and non-metallic steel slag can be used as a construction aggregate.…”