Influence of the Steel Slag Particle Size on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Concrete

Maohui Li (), Youjun Lu (), Yajuan Liu, Jingjun Chu, Tongsheng Zhang and Wei Wang
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Maohui Li: School of Materials Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China
Youjun Lu: School of Materials Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China
Yajuan Liu: Ningxia Saima Kejin Concrete Co., Ltd., Yinchuan 750001, China
Jingjun Chu: Ningxia Saima Kejin Concrete Co., Ltd., Yinchuan 750001, China
Tongsheng Zhang: School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Wei Wang: Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Construction Engineering Quality and Safety General Station, Yinchuan 750004, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: The present paper probes into the influence of the steel slag particle size on the mechanical properties and microstructure of concrete, with steel slag serving as the primary raw material. Steel slag with different particle sizes was selected as the partial substitute material for concrete by mechanical grinding. The influence of steel slag on the compressive strength, bending strength, and microstructure of concrete was determined by laser particle size analyzer, specific surface area analyzer, strength experiment, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that mechanical grinding has significant effects on the particle size distribution and specific surface area of the steel slag. The optimal grinding time is 20 min and the specific surface area is 0.65 m 2 /g. D10, D50 and D90 are 0.91 μm, 16.57 μm and 46.40 μm, respectively. The steel slag with a fine particle size can better fill the pores in concrete and improve the compactness, thus enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete. The change in the steel slag particle size does not change the type of hydration products, but the smaller the particle size of steel slag, the better the gelling activity, the larger the hydration products, the denser the structure, and the better the mechanical properties. Therefore, the present study provides an important theoretical basis and practical guidance for the application of steel slag as an additive in the concrete industry.

Keywords: steel slag particle size; concrete; mechanical properties; microstructure; admixture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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