Properties of paving units incorporating slag cement

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect and possibility of using Portland slag cement in the production of interlocking paving units. Paving units consist of two layers. Four mixes were cast. The first mix was the control mix, in which Portland cement was used in the two layers. In the second mix, Portland slag cement was used in the upper layer, Portland cement was used in the backing layer. In the third mix, Portland cement was placed in the upper layer, while Portland slag cement was used in the backing layer. Finally, in the fourth mix, Portland cement was fully replaced by Portland slag cement in both layers. Tests were carried out in order to investigate the properties of the manufactured specimens at ages 28 and 180 days, respectively. Compressive strength and abrasion resistance were conducted according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM C 140 and ASTM C418). Water absorption, split tensile strength, abrasion resistance, as well as, skid resistance were performed according to both Egyptian Standard Specifications (ESS 4382) and European Standard (EN 1338). The Egyptian standard is identical with the European standard. The results indicate that it is feasible to use Portland slag cement in the manufacture of paving blocks as the conditions of the conducted tests were satisfied at age180 days except for the minimum splitting tensile strength test.