IMPROVING MORTAR SUSTAINABILITY USING GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG

Steel plays a critical role in everyday life, influencing construction, transportation, and household tools. In Algeria, the steel industry is essential for foreign currency reserves, reducing unemployment, and fostering ancillary industries. However, heavy reliance on steel production poses environmental challenges, necessitating proactive measures. The increasing waste from steel mills underscores the urgency to explore cost-effective methods for waste management. This study focuses on repurposing waste from the Oran steel factory, specifically Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). The waste is processed through crushing and grinding, transforming it from (8/15) mm granules to (0/3) mm sand. Chemical and physical analyses determine its properties, evaluating it as an alternative to natural sand in various proportions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Some samples include superplasticizer, while others serve as additive-free controls. Results indicate promising outcomes in terms of workability, compressive strength after 28 days, absorption, and capillary properties compared to conventional concrete. This success presents a viable solution to environmental challenges and introduces a novel approach in construction materials. The research underscores the significance of innovative waste management solutions for the steel industry.