Steel Slag Concrete for Pavement Construction

Abstract

Steel Slags are by-products of Steel Industry using the Electric Arc Furnace method for steelmaking. This methodology is widely used in South Europe where the research on steel slag applications in concrete has been developed. In this paper, the properties in fresh and hardened state of concrete for pavements are described as well as a pilot application of steel slag concrete in road pavement. Based on the results it is obvious that the use of steel slags in pavement application is very advantageous from technical point of view. Basic desirable characteristics are enhanced or significantly increased, such as the compressive strength, ductility and resistance to abrasion. Furthermore, the anti slipping properties of the pavements are considerably enhanced. A comparison of conventional concrete pavement with steel slag concrete is made based on the cost and environmental footprint considerations, taking into account the maintenance cost during the service life of the pavement.