Strength properties and micro-structural analysis of self-compacting concrete made with iron slag as partial replacement of fine aggregates

•Utilization of iron slag in self-compacting concrete (SCC).•Iron slag (10-40%) improved the strength properties of SCC.•Iron slag improves the microstructure of SCC.

The iron and steel rolling mills are the main source of the production of iron slag. This paper presents the results on an experimental program carried to explore the possibility of use of iron slag as partial replacement of fine aggregate (sand) in self-compacting concrete (SCC). SCC mixes were designed and fine aggregates were replaced with 0, 10, 25, and 40% iron slag. Tests were performed to evaluate the fresh properties, strength properties and micro-structural analysis of SCC. Properties such as slump flow, V-funnel, U-box, L-box, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were examined. Results indicated that compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of self-compacting concrete improved with incorporation of iron slag at all the curing ages. SEM and XRD analysis were done to examine the microstructure, which indicated that use of iron slag made the microstructure of SCC denser.