Cement-Based Composites Doped with Steelmaking Waste as an Element of a Closed-Loop Economy

Abstract. The article analyzes the possibility of using sludge and slag from the steel production process to produce cement-based composites, i.e., mortars and concretes. Currently, the use of steelmaking waste is low, which means that large amounts of this material are deposited in landfills and industrial waste heaps, posing a threat to the natural environment. On the other hand, the production of cement-based composites uses large amounts of sand and natural aggregate, the resources of which in some countries around the world are running out or the available natural aggregate does not meet the construction requirements. Therefore, using waste as an alternative material to sand and aggregate is an important element of an economy moving towards a circular economy. This paper presents the characteristics of the generated metallurgical waste and the costs associated with their disposal in landfills. The influence of the addition of steel waste on the physical and mechanical parameters of mortars and concretes produced with their participation was discussed.