Using cupola furnace slag in concrete: A sustainable approach to protect natural aggregates and the environment

Abstract Cupola furnace slag (CFS) poses significant challenges for casting industrialists, who must navigate the complexities of its disposal to maintain operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. This study aims to investigate and implement the reuse of CFS in the construction industry which in turn creates a new method for solid waste management. This study clarifies the mechanical and durability properties of concrete that contains CFS‐coarse‐aggregates (CCA) and cupola‐fine‐aggregates (CFA), which are natural fine and coarse aggregate substitutes. To accomplish this, compressive strength, split tensile strength, water penetration, impact resistance, surface abrasion loss, and rapid chloride penetration tests were conducted. In M30 grade concrete, the experimental procedures involved varying degrees of weight replacement (0% to 40%) of natural fine‐aggregate (FA) and natural coarse‐aggregates (CA) with CFA and CCA, respectively. The experimental findings revealed that compressive strength increased with up to 20% replacement of FA, but decreased afterward. Conversely, compressive strength decreased with the replacement of CA, though up to 30%, replacement still met M30 grade concrete requirements. A leachability test was conducted to detect toxic and heavy materials in CFS. SEM, EDX and XRD techniques were also employed. Replacing FA and CA with CFA and CCA, respectively, proved economically beneficial compared to standard concrete.