Strength Studies on Concrete by Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Steel Slag

DOI

https://www.doi.org/10.59256/ijsreat.20260603013

Published In

Volume 6, Issue 3 (2026)

Published Online

May-June 2026

Pages

91-95

Article Type

Original Article

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Rapid industrial development and growing construction activity have created significant volumes of waste materials that strain landfills and deplete natural aggregate resources. Steel slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, is durable, hard, and highly resistant to biological, chemical, and physical degradation, presenting a viable alternative to conventional coarse aggregate. This study investigates the compressive strength of M30 grade concrete when natural coarse aggregate is replaced with steel slag at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by volume. Standard 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm cube specimens were cast and tested at 7, 14, and 28 days in accordance with IS 516-1965. The results demonstrate that compressive strength increases progressively from 10% to 30% replacement, with 30% replacement achieving the peak compressive strength at all test ages. Beyond 30%, strength declines noticeably, making 20%–30% replacement the optimal range. The findings support the use of steel slag as an economical, environment-friendly coarse aggregate substitute that helps divert industrial waste from landfills while maintaining or enhancing concrete performance.