Ductile capacity of reinforced concrete columns with electric arc furnace oxidizing slag aggregate

This study investigated the structural characteristics of reinforced concrete column comprised of EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) oxidizing slag aggregates, which are less detrimental to the environment, because they are generated during the steel-making process and are considered a form of recycling. Six column specimens were prepared with the axial force ratio and the amount of EAF oxidizing slag aggregates as the variables. Static loading tests were performed to analyze the load versus strain relationship, failure mode, distribution of the axial and transverse strain, plastic hinge length, and energy dissipation capacity. The analysis showed that reinforced concrete columns made from EAF oxidizing slag aggregates had a superior ductile capacity after they reached their ultimate strength compared to those made from natural aggregates. The former also experienced significantly less crushing at the column ends up to the limit state. The use of EAF oxidizing slag aggregates in the columns delayed the initiation of plastic hinges at the column ends and enabled the plastic hinges to occur first in the beams, thereby effectively establishing a strong-column weak-beam mechanism (if the slag is used in the structural design).