Eco-Efficiency and Performance Evaluation of M20 Grade Concrete with Partial Replacement of Cement by Steel Slag

Abstract

Cement is the main material in concrete that helps everything stick together. However, it is also one of the biggest sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is harmful to the environment. Because of this, researchers are trying to replace cement with more eco-friendly materials. In this study, waste slag from a steel cutting house called Venus sign limited was used as a partial replacement for cement. A well-established scientific explanation in Civil Engineering and Materials Science is known as the “Pozzolanic Reaction. Initial tests showed that this slag can behave like a pozzolanic material, which means it can help in strength development. The slag was first ground into fine particles that could pass through a #100 sieve. Concrete samples were then prepared by replacing 10%, 20%, and 30% of cement with slag, using water–cement ratios of 0.40 and 0.45. Compressive strength tests were conducted at 7 and 28 days. The results showed that when 10% slag was used, the strength slightly decreased compared to normal concrete. However, when 20% and 30% slag were used, the strength decreased further.