Use of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag for high strength concrete production

In this paper the use of Electric Arc Furnace slag (EAF slag) for the production of High-Performances Concrete (HPC) is explored, as a fully replacement of the natural gravel. Several mixtures were produced, varying the water/cement ratio, the cement and the admixture content, with the aim of reaching a strength class between C50/60 and C60/75, and an S4 consistency class, as defined in EN 206-1. Mechanical properties of EAF concretes were compared with reference conglomerates; a complementary microstructural analysis was performed, with SEM observation after concrete specimens' failure. Results indicate that the use of EAF slag in concrete allows reaching higher compressive strength than with coarse natural aggregates. Lastly, the environmental benefits obtained through the use of recycled aggregates are shown, by means of the application of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool properly developed for this scope.