The Potentials of Iron and Steel Slags as Supplementary Cementitious Materials in the Nigerian Construction Industry: A Review

Abstract

Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) is a type of Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) that is currently being used extensively in the global construction industry. SCMs are cheaper than Portland cement, help to improve certain properties of concrete and also help to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the production of Portland cement. GGBS is readily available in most parts of the world as a waste product from iron and steel production. However, its use as a SCM in some countries has not been fully maximized. This is primarily because of lack of documented studies on the properties of GGBS that influences its suitability as a SCM, especially in tropical environments. This paper reviewed the use of GGBS as a SCM for the partial replacement of Portland cement, with particular emphasis on its potential use in tropical warm environments such as Nigeria and other similar countries.