Utilizing Industrial Waste for Sustainable Concrete: A Critical Analysis of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag in Cement Production

The concrete industry has expanded significantly due to the usage of various binding materials. Utilizing industrial waste, such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), as a partial substitute for cement offers a sustainable solution to environmental challenges and reduces landfill waste. GGBFS enhances the mechanical properties, durability, and thermal behavior of concrete while also lowering production costs. Despite its potential, existing research on GGBFS in concrete production is fragmented, necessitating a comprehensive analysis to validate and connect initial findings. This review examines the physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties of GGBFS, along with its heat of hydration. Given its chemical similarity to Portland cement, GGBFS is a viable alternative. Determining the optimal proportion of GGBFS is critical for achieving improved performance, with prior studies suggesting optimal proportions ranging from 10% to 20%, influenced by factors such as GGBFS availability, concrete mix design, and particle size. This paper aims to provide a cohesive understanding of GGBFS’s role in sustainable concrete production and its potential to mitigate environmental impacts.