Enhancing Concrete Performance With GGBFS: An Analysis of Strength Characteristics at Various Replacement Levels

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 02 | Page : 121 138
    By

    Kota Chandu Prakash,

  • Y. Himath kumar,

  • K. Hemantha Raja,

  • Nadigatla Naveen Kumar,

  1. PG student, Department of Civil Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KL Deemed to be University), Guntur, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KL Deemed to be University), Guntur, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KL Deemed to be University), Guntur, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  4. PG student, Department of Civil Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KL Deemed to be University), Guntur, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as a partial replacement for cement on the mechanical properties of concrete. The primary objective was to assess the compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths, along with the modulus of elasticity, at different replacement levels of cement with GGBFS and at distinct curing ages of 7, 28, and 56 days. Concrete mixes were prepared by replacing cement with GGBFS at levels of 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%, and their performance was compared to that of a control mix with no GGBFS.The results indicate that increasing the GGBFS content generally leads to a reduction in compressive strength, particularly at higher replacement levels such as 60% and 70%. However, the mix with 40% GGBFS demonstrated a marginal improvement in compressive strength compared to the control mix, particularly at the later ages of 28 and 56 days. Among all the replacement levels, the mix with 50% GGBFS exhibited superior performance. It achieved the highest split tensile strength across all curing periods and the maximum flexural strength at 28 and 56 days, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing tensile and flexural properties. Additionally, the modulus of elasticity also showed a slight increase for the 50% GGBFS mix when compared to the control mix, further confirming its enhanced stiffness and durability. These findings suggest that replacing up to 50% of cement with GGBFS not only reduces the dependence on traditional cement but also improves key mechanical properties of concrete. This makes it a sustainable and effective alternative for various construction applications. The research underscores the potential of GGBFS as a supplementary cementitious material, striking a balance between strength and sustainability in modern concrete production.

Keywords: GGBFS, cement replacement, concrete strength, durability, pozzolanic materials.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

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How to cite this article:
Kota Chandu Prakash, Y. Himath kumar, K. Hemantha Raja, Nadigatla Naveen Kumar. Enhancing Concrete Performance With GGBFS: An Analysis of Strength Characteristics at Various Replacement Levels. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):121-138.
How to cite this URL:
Kota Chandu Prakash, Y. Himath kumar, K. Hemantha Raja, Nadigatla Naveen Kumar. Enhancing Concrete Performance With GGBFS: An Analysis of Strength Characteristics at Various Replacement Levels. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):121-138. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=198646


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 02
Received 30/08/2024
Accepted 16/10/2024
Published 23/01/2025
Publication Time 146 Days
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