Review paper on study utilizing steel slag in

concrete
Dhruv Bhagwat
k. k. wagh college of engineering education and research Centre nashik
[email protected]

Abstract - This study synthesizes findings from five key investigation . This paper reviews five pivotal studies to
research works evaluating the feasibility of using steel evaluate the mechanical performance, durability, and
slag—a byproduct of steel manufacturing—as a environmental benefits of steel slag concrete, aiming to
sustainable material in concrete. The studies assessed its promote its adoption in sustainable construction.
mechanical strength, durability, and environmental
impact when used to partially or fully replace natural 2. Objective and scope
aggregates. Results showed improved compressive,
 To reduce environmental pollution by utilizing steel slag,
flexural, and tensile strengths, especially at 20–50%
an industrial by-product.
replacement levels, owing to the slag’s latent hydraulic
 To enhance the mechanical properties of concrete such as
properties. Aged and carbonated slags reduced expansion
compressive and tensile strength .
due to free CaO and MgO, enhancing dimensional
 To develop cost-effective and sustainable concrete
stability. Although higher slag content decreased
mixtures by minimizing the use of natural aggregates
workability, this was countered by using superplasticizers
and cement.
or additives like fly ash. Durability tests confirmed
 Evaluation of steel slag as a partial replacement for coarse
comparable or superior performance to conventional
aggregates or cement in concrete mix designs.
concrete. Additionally, the use of steel slag contributed to
 Laboratory testing of fresh and hardened concrete
lower CO₂ emissions, waste reduction, and cost
properties, including workability, strength, and
efficiency, especially in regions lacking natural
durability.
aggregates. Overall, the research supports steel slag as a
 Assessment of environmental and economic benefits,
durable, structurally reliable, and environmentally
including waste reduction and potential cost savings.
friendly alternative for sustainable concrete production.
3. Methodology
Keywords:
Steel slag, sustainable concrete, mechanical strength,
3.1 Material Selection
durability, CO₂ reduction, aggregate replacement,
industrial byproduct, carbonation, workability,
4 The studies used Ordinary Portland Cement
circular economy.
(OPC), steel slag, and natural aggregates. Nguyen et al.
(2020) selected OPC, steel slag as coarse aggregate, and
river sand with cement-to-water ratios of 1.76–
1. Introduction
2.21 .Tarawneh et al. (2014) used OPC (53 grade), steel
slag as coarse aggregate, river sand, and crushed granite
Concrete, the most widely used construction (20 mm.Hoque et al. (2019) chose OPC (53 grade),
material, relies heavily on natural aggregates, which river sand, crushed stone (20 mm), and air-cooled steel
constitute approximately 75\% of its volume . The slag, with GGBS, copper slag, or fly ash as additives .
depletion of natural resources and environmental Zhou et al. (2024) used steel slag sand, limestone, OPC,
concerns associated with aggregate mining have and hydrated lime .Tang et al. (2024) tested raw and
prompted research into alternative materials. Steel slag, carbonated steel slag (fine particles <75 µm removed)
a byproduct of steel manufacturing, has emerged as a with OPC and natural sand .
promising substitute due to its abundance and potential
to enhance concrete properties Composed primarily of 4.1 Specimen Preparation
calcium oxide (CaO) and silica, steel slag exhibits
cementitious properties, improving strength and Specimens were prepared with varying steel slag
durability . However, challenges such as volume replacement levels. Nguyen et al. cast three mixes
instability from free CaO and MgO necessitate further (XT01, XT02, XT03) with a coarse-to-fine aggregate
 ratio of 1.98, cured for 7–365 days. Tarawneh et al. mixed in a pan mixer, followed by the addition of potable
made nine mixes, casting cubes (150×150×150 mm) water to achieve a workable concrete mix. The fresh
and cylinders (150×300 mm), cured at 27±2°C .Hoque concrete was then poured into standard molds to form
et al. designed M25 concrete with 0–100% slag, casting cube specimens (150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm),
cubes, cylinders, and beams, cured for 7–28 days . Zhou cylinders (150 mm diameter × 300 mm height), and
et al. prepared Marshall specimens with 0–100% slag beams (100 mm × 100 mm × 500 mm). After casting,
replacement, compacted with 75 blows . Tang et al. the specimens were left to set for 24 hours, then demolded
developed nine concrete/mortar mixes with 10–100% and cured in water at a controlled temperature of 27±2°C
slag, standardized for curing . for varying durations of 7, 14, 28, and up to 365 days,
depending on the test requirements.
4.2 Testing Procedures

Each study conducted axial compression tests to evaluate

column behavior. AlAjarmeh et al. tested for ductility and
failure patterns under axial and lateral loading. Eltaly et
al. measured ultimate tensile strength using axial load
tests and analyzed failure under eccentric loading. Hadi et
al. performed both axial and bending tests to determine
flexural strength and deformation characteristics. Wang et
al. combined axial testing with microstructural evaluation
using XRD and SEM. Peng Chen et al. carried out axial
compression tests to assess confinement efficiency and
overall load-bearing capacity. Fig.1. specimens casted

4. Experimental work
4.1 Steel Slag

Steel slag—a by-product of the steel manufacturing

industry—was investigated as a potential replacement for
conventional coarse aggregates in concrete production.
The steel slag used was air-cooled and sourced from
established steel plants.Prior to use, it was screened
through a 20 mm sieve to ensure uniform particle size
suitable for concrete mixing. The experimental design
included various replacement levels, typically ranging
from 0% to 100%, to determine the optimal proportion
for enhancing concrete performance. Steel slag’s angular
shape and rough surface texture were considered Fig.2. specimen testing
beneficial in improving the bonding and mechanical
interlock within the concrete matrix, which could
potentially lead to higher strength and improved 4.3 Tests conducted
durability.

4.2 Specimen preparation A series of standard laboratory tests were conducted to

evaluate both the fresh and hardened properties of the
For the preparation of specimens, standard mix designs concrete mixes. Workability was assessed using the
were adopted in accordance with IS: 10262-2009 for slump cone test, which provided insights into how the
concrete grades such as M20, M25, and M30. The presence of steel slag affected the ease of mixing and
materials used included Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) placing the concrete. The hardened concrete specimens
of 53 grade, natural river sand as fine aggregate, and steel were subjected to mechanical strength tests, including
slag as a partial or full replacement for natural coarse compressive strength tests at multiple curing intervals,
aggregate. A constant water-cement ratio, generally split tensile strength tests, and flexural strength tests to
around 0.45, was maintained across all mix designs to understand the structural performance under different
ensure consistency. The dry materials were thoroughly loading conditions. In addition to strength testing,
durability tests such as water absorption and acid
 resistance were performed to assess the long-term  SIS Advantages: Improves strength (up to 30%) and
behavior of slag concrete in aggressive environments. In durability; workability challenges can be addressed
studies focusing on asphalt concrete applications, further through mix design.
tests like Marshall Stability and Flow, Indirect Tensile  Volume Stability: Aged slag minimizes expansion with
Strength (ITS), Wheel Tracking for rutting resistance, fine particles; high temperatures increase fracture
and aging tests at 85°C for 120 hours were also risks.
conducted to examine performance under thermal and
 Carbonated Slag: Retains strength and workability at 50%
load-induced stresses..
replacement, reduces ASR and shrinkage, aiding low-
5. Results and discussions carbon concrete.

 Cement-Stabilized Soil Blocks-Compressive strength
increased with cement content, reaching 4.56 N/mm² at
10% cement after 28 days, surpassing Indian Standard 7.References
requirements.
 Lime and Fly Ash Stabilization-Lime-stabilized blocks  “Thi-Thuy-Hang Nguyen 1, Duc-Hung Phan 1,
achieved 3.51 N/mm² at 10% lime, while fly ash blocks Hong-Ha Mai 2 and Duy-Liem Nguyen 1”,”
were weakest at 2.64 N/mm². Investigation on Compressive Characteristics of
 Steel Slag Properties - slag exhibited high density, Steel-Slag Concrete” ,”Concrete technology”,2020,
angularity, and cementitious properties, with higher CBR [1]
and Marshall stability than natural aggregates, indicating
superior load-bearing and compaction characteristics.  “Sultan A. Tarawneh, Emhaidy S. Gharaibeh and
 Concrete Workability and Strength-Steel slag reduced Falah M. Saraireh” ,”Effect of using steel slag
concrete workability due to its rough texture. aggregate on mechanical properties of
Compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths peaked at concrete” ,”Concrete technology”, 2014,ISSN: 1546-
20% slag replacement. 9239[2]
 Durability of Steel Slag Concrete -slag enhanced acid and
sulphate resistance and reduced water absorption up to  “Md. Muzammel Hoque1, Md. Arif Hossen”,
20% replacement, indicating a denser matrix and optimal “Sustainable Use of Steel Industry Slag (SIS) for
densification. Concrete Production: A State Art of Review”,”
 Mortar with Steel Slag -Steel slag as fine aggregate Concrete technology”, 2019, ISSN : 2165-3925[3]
reduced workability but improved compressive strength at
moderate levels (20-40%). High slag content caused
expansion due to free lime and periclase.  “Zhenhao Zhou a , Qiang Jin * , Di Hu , Lin Zhu ,
Zihua Li”, “Long-term volume stability of steel slag
sand mortar and concrete”, “Concrete”, 2024 [4]
6 .Conclusion
 “Waiching Tang a a,* , Umer Sajjad a , Ali Onaizi a ,
Mugahed Amran”, “Utilization of carbonated steel
 Steel Slag Concrete:Exhibits strong compressive strength, slag as fine sand in OPC concrete and mortar”, “
ductility (2.60–2.82% strain), and higher strength in Concrete”, 2024[5]
smaller specimens.
 Aggregate Suitability:Meets ASTM standards, enhances
early strength, and promotes sustainability by reducing
waste.