Advanced searchCitation search
Skip main navigation
Close Drawer MenuOpen Drawer Menu
Previous article
Next article
Technical Papers
May 30, 2024

Ecoefficient Cementitious Materials with High Levels of Portland Cement Replacement Using Blast Furnace Slag

Authors: Adilson Aparecido Gonçalves Junior https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7797-6795 [email protected], Eduardo Inocente Jussiani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8500-5710 [email protected], Avacir Casanova Andrello [email protected], Romel Dias Vanderlei https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5676-6951 [email protected], and Berenice Martins Toralles [email protected]Author Affiliations
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 8
https://doi.org/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-17320
Get Access

Abstract

The portland cement (PC) industry is responsible for approximately 7% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the world. Blast furnace slag (BFS) has been increasingly used as a substitute for PC, due to the efficient disposal of steel industry waste and reductions in CO2 emissions. The present work investigated the environmental benefits of cementitious materials with large volumes of BFS (up to 90% PC replacement for the S90 mixture) and the influence on porosity and compressive strength. By X-ray computed microtomography and mercury intrusion porosimetry, pore size distribution was assessed. Porosity was also evaluated by water absorption. The environmental impacts were investigated by analyzing the embodied CO2 emissions (ECO2) and embodied energy (EE) by using life cycle assessment methodology. Reductions of around 40% in the compressive strength of S90 were found, while reductions in EE and ECO2 were above 80%. The S90 showed higher porosity at the age of 28 days, but then promoted a more active pore closing effect over time, being nevertheless feasible for use in terms of porosity. The use of S90 is expected to increase durability due to its thinner porous matrix, and contribute to reducing environmental impact and advancing cleaner production.

Practical Applications

Today, there is a global call to action to end poverty, protect the environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. Objectives set for the United Nations aim to help developing countries, like Brazil, achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A highlight is given to “Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” (SDG 9), which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The portland cement (PC) industry is responsible for approximately 7% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the world. The study carried out here points to the feasibility of using blast furnace slag (BFS) to replace up to 90% of PC clinker, and demonstrates the environmental advantages in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption. In this context, the use of clinkers with higher concentrations of BFS, up to 90%, has emerged as a way to contribute to the sustainable development proposed by SDG 9.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

Get Access

Data Availability Statement

Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to ArcelorMittal Tubarão for its donations of blast furnace slag. The authors also acknowledge the contributions of the technicians and managers of the Complexo Central de Apoio a Pesquisa (COMCAP) and Laboratório de Construção Civil at State University of Maringá, Central Multiusuária de Laboratórios de Pesquisa from UEL (LARX and LMEM), Laboratório de Construção Civil at State University of Londrina, and MicroService and Technological University of Paraná (Apucarana), which offered their work for the development of the present study.

References

ABNT. 2015. NBR 7214: Areia normal para ensaio de cimento. NBR 7214. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: ABNT.
Google Scholar
ABNT. 2016. NBR 13276: Argamassa para assentamento e revestimento de paredes e tetos—Determinação do índice de consistência. NBR 13276. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: ABNT.
Google Scholar
ABNT. 2018. NBR 16697: Cimento portland—Requisitos. NBR 16697. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: ABNT.
Google Scholar
ABNT. 2019. NBR 7215: Cimento portland–Determinação da resistência à compressão. NBR 7215. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: ABNT.
Google Scholar
ABNT (Brazilian Association of Norms Techniques). 2009. NBR 9778: Argamassa e concreto endurecidos—Imersão. NBR 9778. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: ABNT.
Google Scholar
Batuecas, E., I. Ramón-Álvarez, S. Sánchez-Delgado, and M. Torres-Carrasco. 2021. “Carbon footprint and water use of alkali-activated and hybrid cement mortars.” J. Cleaner Prod. 319 (Oct): 128653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128653.
Google Scholar
Bennet, M., J. Mathew, M. M. Sudhakar, and C. Natarajan. 2013. “Strength, economic and sustainability characteristics of coal ash–GGBS based geopolymer concrete.” Int. J. Comput. Eng. Res. 3 (1): 207–212.
Google Scholar
Bhardwaj, B., and P. Kumar. 2019. “Comparative study of geopolymer and alkali activated slag concrete comprising waste foundry sand.” Constr. Build. Mater. 209 (Mar): 555–565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.03.107.
Google Scholar
Borges, P. H. R., N. Banthia, H. A. Alcamand, W. L. Vasconcelos, and E. H. M. Nunes. 2016. “Performance of blended metakaolin/blastfurnace slag alkali-activated mortars.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 71 (May): 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.04.008.
Google Scholar
Bouikni, A., R. N. Swamy, and A. Bali. 2009. “Durability properties of concrete containing 50% and 65% slag.” Constr. Build. Mater. 23 (8): 2836–2845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.02.040.
Google Scholar
Brandt, A. M. 2009. Cement-based composites: Materials, mechanical properties and performance. New York: Taylor & Francis Group.
Google Scholar
Chen, H. J., S. S. Huang, C. W. Tang, M. A. Malek, and L. W. Ean. 2012. “Effect of curing environments on strength, porosity and chloride ingress resistance of blast furnace slag cement concretes: A construction site study.” Constr. Build. Mater. 35 (Oct): 1063–1070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.06.052.
Google Scholar
Chen, W., and H. J. H. Brouwers. 2007. “The hydration of slag, part 2: Reaction models for blended cement.” J. Mater. Sci. 42 (2): 444–464. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-006-0874-1.
Google Scholar
Choi, Y. C., J. Kim, and S. Choi. 2017. “Mercury intrusion porosimetry characterization of micropore structures of high-strength cement pastes incorporating high volume ground granulated blast-furnace slag.” Constr. Build. Mater. 137 (May): 96–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.01.076.
Google Scholar
Duan, P., Z. Shui, W. Chen, and C. Shen. 2013. “Enhancing microstructure and durability of concrete from ground granulated blast furnace slag and metakaolin as cement replacement materials.” J. Mater. Res. Technol. 2 (1): 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2013.03.010.
Google Scholar
Espinosa, R. M., and L. Franke. 2006. “Inkbottle pore-method: Prediction of hygroscopic water content in hardened cement paste at variable climatic conditions.” Cem. Concr. Res. 36 (10): 1954–1968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2006.06.011.
Google Scholar
Font, A., L. Soriano, S. M. de Moraes Pinheiro, M. M. Tashima, J. Monzó, M. V. Borrachero, and J. Payá. 2020. “Design and properties of 100% waste-based ternary alkali-activated mortars: Blast furnace slag, olive-stone biomass ash and rice husk ash.” J. Cleaner Prod. 243 (Jan): 118568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118568.
Google Scholar
Gruyaert, E. 2010. “Effect of blast-furnace slag as cement replacement on hydration, microstructure, strength and durability of concrete.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Structural Constructions, Ghent Univ.
Google Scholar
Gruyaert, E., K. van Tittelboom, H. Rahier, and N. de Belie. 2015. “Activation of pozzolanic and latent-hydraulic reactions by alkalis in order to repair concrete cracks.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 27 (7): 04014208. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001162.
Google Scholar
Gupta, S. 2014. “Development of ultra high performance concrete incorporating blend of slag and silica fume as cement replacement.” Int. J. Civ. Struct. Eng. Res. 2 (1): 35–51.
Google Scholar
Hadj-Sadok, A., S. Kenai, L. Courard, and A. Darimont. 2011. “Microstructure and durability of mortars modified with medium active blast furnace slag.” Constr. Build. Mater. 25 (2): 1018–1025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.06.077.
Google Scholar
Han-Seung, L., and X. Y. Wang. 2016. “Evaluation of compressive strength development and carbonation depth of high volume slag-blended concrete.” Constr. Build. Mater. 124 (May): 45–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.07.070.
Google Scholar
Huang, H., G. Ye, and D. Damidot. 2014. “Effect of blast furnace slag on self-healing of microcracks in cementitious materials.” Cem. Concr. Res. 60 (May): 68–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.03.010.
Google Scholar
Jones, R., M. Mccarthy, and M. Newlands. 2011. Fly ash route to low embodied CO2 and implications for concrete construction. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky.
Google Scholar
Li, J., P. Tharakan, D. Macdonald, and X. Liang. 2013. “Technological, economic and financial prospects of carbon dioxide capture in the cement industry.” Energy Policy 61 (May): 1377–1387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2013.05.082.
Google Scholar
Li, N., N. Farzadnia, and C. Shi. 2017. “Microstructural changes in alkali-activated slag mortars induced by accelerated carbonation.” Cem. Concr. Res. 100 (May): 214–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.07.008.
Google Scholar
Li, Y., C. Qiao, and W. Ni. 2020. “Green concrete with ground granulated blast-furnace slag activated by desulfurization gypsum and electric arc furnace reducing slag.” J. Cleaner Prod. 269 (Oct): 122212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122212.
Google Scholar
Liu, G., M. V. A. Florea, and H. J. H. Brouwers. 2019. “Characterization and performance of high volume recycled waste glass and ground granulated blast furnace slag or fly ash blended mortars.” J. Cleaner Prod. 235 (May): 461–472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.06.334.
Google Scholar
Liu, G., M. V. A. Florea, and H. J. H. Brouwers. 2021. “The role of recycled waste glass incorporation on the carbonation behaviour of sodium carbonate activated slag mortar.” J. Cleaner Prod. 292 (Apr): 126050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126050.
Google Scholar
López-Perales, J. F., J. E. Contreras, F. J. Vázquez-Rodríguez, C. Gómez-Rodríguez, L. Díaz-Tato, F. Banda-Muñoz, and E. A. Rodríguez. 2021. “Partial replacement of a traditional raw material by blast furnace slag in developing a sustainable conventional refractory castable of improved physical-mechanical properties.” J. Cleaner Prod. 306 (Jul): 127266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127266.
Google Scholar
Luukkonen, T., Z. Abdollahnejad, J. Yliniemi, P. Kinnunen, and M. Illikainen. 2018. “Comparison of alkali and silica sources in one-part alkali-activated blast furnace slag mortar.” J. Cleaner Prod. 187 (Jun): 171–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.03.202.
Google Scholar
Majhi, R. K., and A. N. Nayak. 2020. “Production of sustainable concrete utilising high-volume blast furnace slag and recycled aggregate with lime activator.” J. Cleaner Prod. 255 (May): 120188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120188.
Google Scholar
Mehta, P. K., and P. Monteiro. 2014. Concreto: Microestrutura, propriedades e materiais. Edited by N. Pagan Hasparyk. São Paulo, Brazil: Ibracon—Instituto Brasileiro de Concreto.
Google Scholar
Mithun, B. M., and M. C. Narasimhan. 2016. “Performance of alkali activated slag concrete mixes incorporating copper slag as fine aggregate.” J. Cleaner Prod. 112 (Mar): 837–844. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.06.026.
Google Scholar
Naqi, A., S. Siddique, H. K. Kim, and J. G. Jang. 2020. “Examining the potential of calcined oyster shell waste as additive in high volume slag cement.” Constr. Build. Mater. 230 (Jan): 116973. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.116973.
Google Scholar
Pacheco, F., R. P. de Souza, R. Christ, C. A. Rocha, L. Silva, and B. Tutikian. 2018. “Determination of volume and distribution of pores of concretes according to different exposure classes through 3D microtomography and mercury intrusion porosimetry.” Struct. Concr. 19 (5): 1419–1427. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201800075.
Google Scholar
Park, J. W., K. Y. Ann, and C. G. Cho. 2015. “Resistance of alkali-activated slag concrete to chloride-induced corrosion.” Adv. Mater. Sci. Eng. 2015 (Oct). https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/273101.
Google Scholar
Sethy, K., D. Pasla, and U. C. Sahoo. 2015. “Effect of slag on the rheological and strength properties of self-compacting concrete.” Key Eng. Mater. 629 (Jan): 399–404. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.629-630.399.
Google Scholar
Shafigh, P., M. Z. Jumaat, H. Bin Mahmud, and U. J. Alengaram. 2013. “Oil palm shell lightweight concrete containing high volume ground granulated blast furnace slag.” Constr. Build. Mater. 40 (May): 231–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.10.007.
Google Scholar
Siddique, S., H. Kim, and J. G. Jang. 2021. “Properties of high-volume slag cement mortar incorporating circulating fluidized bed combustion fly ash and bottom ash.” Constr. Build. Mater. 289 (Jun): 123150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123150.
Google Scholar
Song, Y., G. Dai, J. Zhou, Z. Bian, L. Zhao, and L. Song. 2020. “Characterizing porous volume of cement-based concrete by multiscale image analysis.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 32 (9): 04020267. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003355.
Google Scholar
Taylor, R., I. G. Richardson, and R. M. D. Brydson. 2010. “Composition and microstructure of 20-year-old ordinary Portland cement-ground granulated blast-furnace slag blends containing 0 to 100% slag.” Cem. Concr. Res. 40 (7): 971–983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2010.02.012.
Google Scholar
Termkhajornkit, P., T. Nawa, Y. Yamashiro, and T. Saito. 2009. “Self-healing ability of fly ash-cement systems.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 31 (3): 195–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2008.12.009.
Google Scholar
Wang, S. Y., E. McCaslin, and C. E. White. 2020. “Effects of magnesium content and carbonation on the multiscale pore structure of alkali-activated slags.” Cem. Concr. Res. 130 (Apr): 105979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.105979.
Google Scholar
Xu, Z., J. Gao, Y. Zhao, S. Li, Z. Guo, X. Luo, and G. Chen. 2022. “Promoting utilization rate of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS): Incorporation of nanosilica to improve the properties of blended cement containing high volume GGBS.” J. Cleaner Prod. 332 (Jan): 130096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130096.
Google Scholar
Yazici, H. 2007. “The effect of curing conditions on compressive strength of ultra high strength concrete with high volume mineral admixtures.” Build. Environ. 42 (5): 2083–2089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2006.03.013.
Google Scholar
You, N., B. Li, R. Cao, J. Shi, C. Chen, and Y. Zhang. 2019. “The influence of steel slag and ferronickel slag on the properties of alkali-activated slag mortar.” Constr. Build. Mater. 227 (Dec): 116614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.07.340.
Google Scholar
Zhao, J., M. Liebscher, T. Köberle, A. Almanla, and V. Mechtcherine. 2023. “Mineral-impregnated carbon-fiber (MCF) composites made with differently sized fly-ash geopolymers for durable light weight and high temperature applications.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 138 (Apr): 104950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.104950.
Google Scholar
Zhou, J., G. Ye, and K. van Breugel. 2006. “Hydration process and pore structure of portland cement paste blended with blastfurnace slag.” In Proc., 6th Int. Symp. on Cement and Concrete, Canmet. Beijing: Chinese Ceramic Society and Committee.
Google Scholar

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 8 • August 2024

Copyright

© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.

History

Received: Jul 20, 2023
Accepted: Jan 23, 2024
Published online: May 30, 2024
Published in print: Aug 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Oct 30, 2024

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

ASCE Technical Topics:

  1. [Inorganic compounds]
  2. Air pollution
  3. Blasting effects
  4. Carbon compounds
  5. Carbon dioxide
  6. Cement
  7. Chemicals
  8. Chemistry
  9. Compressive strength
  10. Concrete
  11. Continuum mechanics
  12. Dynamics (solid mechanics)
  13. Emissions
  14. Engineering materials (by type)
  15. Engineering mechanics
  16. Environmental engineering
  17. Material mechanics
  18. Material properties
  19. Materials engineering
  20. Organic compounds
  21. Pollution
  22. Porosity
  23. Slag
  24. Solid mechanics
  25. Strength of materials
  26. Structural dynamics

Authors

Affiliations

Adilson Aparecido Gonçalves Junior https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7797-6795 [email protected]
Postgraduate Student and Researcher, Dept. of Civil Construction, State Univ. of Londrina, Celso Garcia Rd. Pr 445 km 380, Londrina, Paraná CEP 86.057-970, Brazil (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7797-6795. Email: [email protected]
View all articles by this author
Eduardo Inocente Jussiani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8500-5710 [email protected]
Professor, Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Dept. of Physics, State Univ. of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná CEP 86.057-970, Brazil. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8500-5710. Email: [email protected]
View all articles by this author
Avacir Casanova Andrello [email protected]
Professor, Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Dept. of Physics, State Univ. of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná CEP 86.057-970, Brazil. Email: [email protected]
View all articles by this author
Romel Dias Vanderlei https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5676-6951 [email protected]
Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, State Univ. of Maringá, Colombo Ave. 5790, Maringá, Paraná CEP 87020-900, Brazil. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5676-6951. Email: [email protected]
View all articles by this author
Berenice Martins Toralles [email protected]
Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, State Univ. of Londrina, Celso Garcia Rd. Pr 445 km 380, Londrina, Paraná CEP 86.057-970, Brazil. Email: [email protected]
View all articles by this author

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share