Assessment on performance of steel slag and processed granulated blast furnace slag as an alternative for fine aggregate—an assertive review

Abstract

Sand has always been an integral part of construction in our civilization. It has been the most easily available and acceptable source for the same. However, the depletion of river sand availability has started looking at the alternatives including some industrial by-products. One of them is slag obtained from manufacture/refining of metals which would help in the utilization of industrial waste and conservation of natural resources to have a sustainable construction. This paper provides the gist of organized overview involving the evaluation of physical and chemical characteristics, assessment of mechanical and durability properties for the effective utilization of steel slag and processed granulated blast furnace slag (PGBS) that could be modelled from previous researches related to the study. The basic properties of steel slag and PGBS exhibit requisite properties like river sand which is an indication for a possible alternative material to the conventional aggregate. The multiple processing of slag has its influence on strength, durability, and workability of concrete. These recent innovations have made the slag economically viable and environmentally friendly, and also profitable salvaging of processed by-product. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2021.