Cementing efficiency of electric arc furnace dust in mortars

The aim of this study is to evaluate the cementing efficiency (k-value) of an electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), used in as-received conditions, as a supplementary cementing material (SCM). The investigated variables are the amount of EAFD in the mix, water/binder ratio and curing age. Fifteen mixtures are manufactured to estimate the k-values, both considering compressive and flexural strength. In both cases, k-values depend on replacement percentage, and decrease raising the EAFD content in the mix. Water/binder ratio and hydration time significantly influence EAFD efficiency, too. Additionally, results show that flexural k-values are greater than compressive k-values in the analyzed mortars.