Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Containing Steel Slag Powder as a Supplementary Cementitious Material

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using steel slag powder (SSP) as a partial cement replacement on both the compressive and tensile strengths of ordinary concrete. Amid the growing trend toward sustainable building materials and reduced environmental impact, the use of industrial by-products such as steel slag is a promising option for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving concrete properties. Concrete mixes were prepared by replacing cement with different percentages of steel slag powder (0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% by weight), and standard compressive and tensile strength tests were conducted after curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. The results showed that an optimum percentage of replacement (10%) contributed to improving both compressive and tensile strengths, with the highest tensile strength recorded at this percentage, with the highest results for all mixes occurring at 28 days. This improvement is attributed to the inherent hydraulic activity of the SSP and its micro filling effect within the concrete structure. The study confirms the effectiveness of SSP as an environmentally friendly and cost effective supplementary cementitious material in the concrete industry, supporting sustainable construction practices