Experimental study of the effect of slag of Ahvaz Steel Plant on the properties of cement-slag mortars

One way to improve cement production is to replace some of it with inexpensive and available additives. Considering the importance of using cement mortars in the construction of masonry structures, the effect of slag produced by Ahwaz Steel Plant, which is a special slag due to significant differences in its chemical composition compared to common slags in the world. The rheological, mechanical and durability properties of mortars were studied. The effect of using slag powder from Ahwaz Steel Plant on the production of cement-slag mortars was investigated. The powder of this slag was replaced with a part of cement at 20% to 70% with 10% increases and the specimens were tested at the ages of 28, 56, 91 and 120 days. Flow table, compressive, flexural, and electrical strength as well as two penetration depth and water absorption tests were performed. The results showed that slag powder at 28 and 56 days of age did not have much effect on the mechanical properties of the specimens, but at 120 days of age the compressive and flexural strengths of specimens containing 20% and 30% of slag powder increased compared to the reference sample; From a technical and economic point of view, 30% is suggested as the optimal replacement percentage. Water absorption at 120 days of age in specimens containing 20% and 30% slag increased by 30% and 61% and water penetration depth of 25% and 33%, respectively, compared to the reference specimen; but the electrical resistance decreased by 11% and 23%, respectively.