Utilization and efficiency of ground granulated blast furnace slag on concrete properties – A review

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is a byproduct from the blast-furnaces of iron and it is a very beneficial in the mortar and concrete production. The present paper reviews the literature related to the utilization and the efficiency of GGBFS on the properties of mortar/concrete. Firstly, general information about GGBFS production, reaction mechanism and heat of hydration are presented. Then, workability, setting time, bleeding, rheological properties, slump loss, segregation resistance and early age cracking potential and finishability are addressed among the fresh concrete properties. Strength and rate of strength gain, modulus of elasticity, creep, shrinkage, influence of curing on performance of GGBFS, permeability, resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, carbonation resistance, deicing salt scaling, alkali–silica reaction and sulfate attack are among reviewed hardened concrete properties.