Sustainable Studies on Concrete with GGBS As a Replacement Material in Cement

Abstract

The utilization of supplementary cementation materials is well accepted, since it leads to several possible improvements in the concrete composites, as well as the overall economy. The present paper is an effort to quantify the strength of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) at various replacement levels and evaluate its efficiencies in concrete. Cement with GGBS replacement has emerged as a major alternative to conventional concrete and has rapidly drawn the concrete industry attention due to its cement savings, energy savings, cost savings, environmental and socio-economic benefits. This research evaluates the strength and strength efficiency factors of hardened concrete, by partially replacing cement by various percentages of ground granulated blast furnace slag for M35 grade of concrete at different ages. From this study, it can be concluded that, since the grain size of GGBS is less than that of ordinary Portland cement, its strength at early ages is low, but it continues to gain strength over a long period. The optimum GGBFS replacement as cementation material is characterized by high compressive strength, low heat of hydration, resistance to chemical attack, better workability, good durability and cost-effectiveness.