Electric Arc Furnace Steel Slag: Base Material for Low-Volume Roads

• Published in: Transportation research record 2003, Vol.1819 (1), p.201-207
• Main Authors: Rohde, Luciana, Peres Núñez, Washington, Augusto Pereira Ceratti, Jorge
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggregates and other concrete constituents; Applied sciences; Artificial aggregates; Buildings. Public works; Cement concrete constituents; Exact sciences and technology; Materials; Road construction. Pavements. Maintenance; Transportation infrastructure
• ISSN: 0361-1981; 2169-4052
• DOI: 10.3141/1819b-26

The results of a study of the use of electric furnace slag as pavement aggregates are presented. Slag is generated as waste during steel production in industrial plants that use electric arc furnaces. Tests for the following were carried out to determine the characteristics of the aggregate: grain size distribution, soundness, Los Angeles abrasion, compaction, California bearing ratio, resilient modulus, and expansion. To use the slag as a granular layer, its grain size distribution had to be corrected. This procedure increased the bearing capacity and workability of the material. Evaluation of the expansion potential showed that the slag must be stocked in the open air for at least 4 months before it can be used in pavement construction. After correction of the gradation, the slag presented a resilient modulus that exceeded those of traditional granular materials; its use resulted in thinner and cheaper pavements. The results of the study led to the conclusion that the use of electric arc furnace slag as pavement material is possible and that it provides remarkably good technical quality and economic advantages.