Enhancing the flexural strength of concrete using recycled iron and steel slag aggregate

Abstract

Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension hence, considerable effort is required to improve concrete’s tensile strength by the use of pre-stressed concrete and addition of admixtures or additives. In this study, the use of recycled iron and steel slag (RISS) aggregate to improve the tensile strength of concrete was considered. The paper assessed the mineralogical composition of RISS and granite aggregates, and gradation. It also determines the effects of RISS aggregate on the flexural strength of concrete beams of 150 × 150 × 600 mm containing 0, 10, 20, 40 and 60% RISS aggregate replacement in mix ratios 1:1½:3, 1:2:4 and 1:3:6 with water cement ratios 0.65,0.60 and 0.55 respectively. Diffractograph of RISS and granite aggregate showed that RISS contains Magnetite, Ilmenite and Quartz, while granite contains Quartz, Annite, Microcline and Albite as the predominant minerals. The coefficient of uniformity and concavity of RISS and granite aggregate for maximum aggregate size of 37.5 mm are 4.35 and 1.33; and 4.64 and 1.76 respectively. Both aggregates contain quartz as the predominant mineral and are well graded. The result of the Flexural strength at 28 days curing is within 0.135 – 0.250 MPa specified byBS8500 – 2:2015. Flexural strength of concrete beams cast with RISS aggregate is relatively higher than concrete cast with granite aggregate. Flexural strength, a measure of tensile strength of concrete is improved as percentage RISS aggregate increased.