Effects of water cooled ferrochrome slag as fine aggregate on the properties of concrete

The present study aims to represent the outcomes of investigation carried out to assess the use of water cooled ferrochrome slag (WCFS) as an alternative to natural sand in concrete making. Various destructive tests such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were conducted on various concrete samples containing 0-50% of the WCFS on replacement of equal weight of natural sand. Non-destructive test like ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test was conducted to compare the results of destructive tests. Rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT), acid resistance and sulphate resistance tests were addressed to access the durability of concrete containing the WCFS. Optical micro structural study was conducted to examine the microstructure of concrete with the WCFS. The WCFS is found similar to natural sand. The results indicated that there is a little decrease in strength properties of concrete due to inclusion of the WCFS but can be used up to 30% with minor scarification of strength. This little scarification may not be considered important when compared with the advantages on reuse of industrial waste and thus conservation of natural resources. Inclusion of the WCFS up to 30% has almost no negative impact on durability of concrete.