Investigating the Properties of Concrete Using Steel Slag as a Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate

Concrete is one of the best building materials, widely used for various purposes. Replacing coarse aggregate with steel slag not only supports economic growth but also helps conserve natural resources. The objectives of this research are to determine the optimum percentage of replacement of coarse aggregate with steel slag and to determine the water absorption, specific gravity, and compressive strength of the concrete. A blend ratio of 1:2:4 for concrete grade M20 was determined after analyzing the aggregates. The density of concrete is 2400 kg/m3. The amount of each component such as coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and cement needed for the molds of the entire 45 cubes was determined by which 9 cubes per age per mix in which average value was taken for each percentage of steel slag replacement (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) at a water-cement ratio of 0.6, also the average value of each age were recorded. The compressive strength, specific gravity, slump test, and water absorption of the concrete were all evaluated. The compressive strength gradually rises from 0 to 30% before declining to 50%. These findings indicate that the ideal percentage is 30% replacement, with values of 17.78, 21.91, and 26.14 N/mm2 at 7, 14 and 28 days, respectively. Additionally, an M20 was achievable after 14 days of curing. This indicates that the concrete strengthened more quickly than anticipated because it surpasses the minimum needed for M20 grade concrete, which is 20 N/mm2 at 28 days.