Physicochemical characterization of steel slag post-processed as aggregate for sustainable concrete

The concrete is the material most widely used in construction, consuming a large amount of natural resources for its production. Therefore, this work analyzes the technical and environmental aspects of concrete with full replacement of natural aggregates for processed LD steelmaking slag. The experimental program comprehends physical characterization - particle size distribution, moisture content, bulk and specific density - and elemental chemical characterization with X-Ray Fluorescence, and mineralogical characterization via X-Ray Diffraction. Morphological characterization was performed through a stereomicroscope. From these results, concrete with compressive strengths of 20 and 40 Mpa were developed, with ABPC methodology. These were characterized in the fresh and hardened states, obtaining results favorable to the steelmaking slag application in Portland cement concrete. This sustainable concrete features properties similar conventional concrete, and contributing to sustainability of buildings. (author)