Alkali-Activated Stainless Steel Slag as a Cementitious Material in the Manufacture of Self-Compacting Concrete

Materials (Basel). 2021 Jul 14;14(14):3945. doi: 10.3390/ma14143945.

Abstract

This work develops the manufacture of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with 50% cement reduction. As an alternative binder to cement, the viability of using an alkali-activated combination of stainless steel slag (SSS) and fly ash (FA) has been demonstrated. SSS was processed applying three different treatments. Binders were manufactured mixing 35% SSS with 65% FA, as precursors, and a hydroxide activating solution. This binder was replaced by the 50% cement for the manufacture of SCC. The results obtained show good mechanical properties and durability. The study shows a reduction in the use of cement in the manufacture of SCC reusing two wastes.

Keywords: alternative alkaline activation; durability properties; mechanical behaviour; self-compacting concrete; stainless steel slag.

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