Experimental studies on shear strength characteristics of alkali activated slag concrete mixes

Abstract

In the present study an attempt has made to study the shear strength characteristics of alkali activated slag concrete mixes developed using steel slag sand and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag aggregates, respectively, as the fine and coarse aggregates. These mixes use the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as the primary source material. Thus it is to be recognized that all the three materials used-GGBFS, slag sand and EAF slag aggregates are by-products of the Iron and Steel Industry, and are available in very large quantities demanding safe disposal. Different amounts of Sodium silicate solutions, with specified amounts of Sodium hydroxide flakes dissolved in them, are used as alkaline solutions. The test results indicate higher compressive strengths values for all the mixes in the range of 50-70 MPa with their shear strength values ranging between 7.5 and 12.0 MPa. Further the relationship between shear strength and compressive strength of the AASC mixes was also developed. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.