Assessment of mechanical properties of concrete using electric arc furnace dust as an admixture

Abstract

One of the main present challenges that all the countries have to engage with is the environmental degradation due to the human action. Industry generates high quantities of materials rendered useless during the manufacturing process. Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD) is a hazardous industrial waste due to its high content in heavy metals. In this paper, the solidification of EAFD within the hydrated Portland cement matrix is proposed as a possible solution for its stabilization. Four concrete mixes were produced varying the content of EAFD as admixture (0, 5, 10 and 15% by weight of cement). The elastic modulus and the density of each concrete mixture were obtained in order to determine their mechanical properties. Results indicate that concrete mixtures that include EAFD as an admixture show a higher elastic modulus and a lower density in comparison with traditional concrete.