POST-FIRE BEHAVIOUR OF CONCRETE WITH GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG AS A REPLACEMENT OF NATURAL FINE AGGREGATE

Abstract

This study examines the post-fire behaviour of concrete when granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) is used as a replacement for natural fine aggregate. GBFS, a byproduct of the ironmaking industry, offers an environmentally friendly option with potential benefits for enhancing the fire resistance of concrete structures. For the experiments, cubes measuring 150x150x150 mm³ and 100x100x100 mm³, as well as cylinders with a diameter of 150 mm and a length of 300 mm, were prepared. These specimens were produced with varying levels of GBFS incorporation and subjected to controlled heating up to 1000°C. Then, the specimens were tested for compressive strength, split tensile strength, rebound hammer, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The specimens were also tested for physical properties such as water absorption, density, and volume of voids. All results from the concrete with GBFS were compared to those with 0% GBFS incorporation at room temperature. The incorporation of GBFS demonstrated good thermal resistance and improved the mechanical properties of the concrete.