Compressive Strength of Concrete with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

Abstract

Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFs) is a by-product of the manufacturing of iron in a blast furnace where iron ore, limestone and coke are heated up to 1500ºC. Waste and supplementary cementing materials such as blast furnace slag, fly ash, and waste glass can be used as partial replacements for Portland cement. Partial cement replacement by these materials can improve concrete mechanical properties; reduce energy and CO2 emissions in comparison with cement 100% usage. In present study twelve concrete mixes with various water/binder ratios and achieved compressive strength at the age of 28 days were considered. Standard testing sample 100×100×100 mm cubes for 13 concrete mixes were produced. Two days later the samples were dismantled. Standard curing conditions (temperature 20±2oC, RH > 95±5%) were provided during the process of concrete hardening. Compressive strength of hardened concrete samples was determined at the age of 7, 28 and 56 days. Compression testing machine with the accuracy of ±1% was used, the rate of loading was 0.7 MPa/s (according to LVS EN 12390-3:2009 standard).