The Effect of the Different Percentages of Slag and Fly Ash on Compressive Strength

The Effect of the Different Percentages of Slag and Fly Ash on Compressive Strength and Carbon Footprint of Light Weight Concrete
Presented By: Cameron Hodson, State University of New York At Canton
Lightweight concrete is a type of concrete that utilizes porous and lightweight aggregates, such as shale, clay, or volcanic materials, to reduce its overall weight while maintaining structural strength. The study investigates the enhancement of concrete strength while prioritizing sustainability through the utilization of lightweight aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials like slag and fly ash. The primary aim is to minimize the carbon footprint associated with concrete production. Lightweight aggregates, specifically shale material, were employed in seven distinct mix designs, varying the proportions of slag, fly ash, and Portland cement. Compressive strength tests on resulting concrete cylinders revealed that the mix featuring 50% slag and 50% Portland cement exhibited the highest average compressive strength at 7500 PSI. Conversely, the mix incorporating fly ash and Portland cement demonstrated the lowest strength. This research underscores the potential of slag in not only bolstering concrete strength but also in reducing the overall carbon footprint in comparison to conventional Portland cement use.