Valorization of electric arc furnace slag for concrete production

In this paper, the use of electric arc furnace steel slag, coming from carbon steel production (EAF-C), is studied, aiming to analyze its influence as recycled aggregate for producing structural concrete. Particularly, positive results have been obtained in recent works available in literature about its use in bituminous mixtures and in concretes, when slag is used as partial or total replacement of coarse aggregates. Here some recent results about EAF slag use in reinforced concrete members are shown. A preliminary characterization of slag and raw materials is reported: chemical composition, mineralogy, morphology and dimensional stability have been experimentally evaluated. Additionally, environmental compatibility has been studied, evaluating the potential leaching of slag toxic compounds. Results obtained show that EAF slag concrete properties comply with the requirements asked for civil engineering applications, and its use seems feasible also in structural members.