Ground granulated blast-furnace slag

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Ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS or GGBFS) is obtained by quenching molten
iron slag (a by-product of iron and steel-making) from a blast furnace in water or steam, to produce
a glassy, granular product that is then dried and ground into a fine powder. In Jamshedpur from
JUSCO Mr.K.J.AN AND established the GGBS in Concrete production up to Sub structure and
Concrete Bi product such as Drain cover, Kerb stone etc.

Production and composition[edit]

The chemical composition of a slag varies considerably depending on the composition of the raw
materials in the iron production process. Silicate and aluminate impurities from the ore and coke are
combined in the blast furnace with a flux which lowers the viscosity of the slag. In the case of pig iron
production the flux consists mostly of a mixture of limestoneand forsterite or in some cases dolomite.
In the blast furnace the slag floats on top of the iron and is decanted for separation. Slow cooling of
slag melts results in an unreactive crystalline material consisting of an assemblage of Ca-Al-Mg
silicates. To obtain a good slag reactivity or hydraulicity, the slag melt needs to be rapidly cooled or
quenched below 800 °C in order to prevent the crystallization of merwinite and melilite. To cool and
fragment the slag a granulation process can be applied in which molten slag is subjected to jet
streams of water or air under pressure. Alternatively, in the pelletization process the liquid slag is
partially cooled with water and subsequently projected into the air by a rotating drum. In order to
obtain a suitable reactivity, the obtained fragments are ground to reach the same fineness
as Portland cement.
The main components of blast furnace slag are CaO (30-50%), SiO2 (28-38%), Al2O3 (8-24%), and
MgO (1-18%). In general increasing the CaO content of the slag results in raised slag basicity and
an increase in compressive strength. The MgO and Al2O3 content show the same trend up to
respectively 10-12% and 14%, beyond which no further improvement can be obtained. Several
compositional ratios or so-called hydraulic indices have been used to correlate slag composition
with hydraulic activity; the latter being mostly expressed as the binder compressive strength.
The glass content of slags suitable for blending with Portland cement typically varies between 90-
100% and depends on the cooling method and the temperature at which cooling is initiated.
The glass structure of the quenched glass largely depends on the proportions of network-forming
elements such as Si and Al over network-modifiers such as Ca, Mg and to a lesser extent Al.
Increased amounts of network-modifiers lead to higher degrees of network depolymerization and
reactivity.
Common crystalline constituents of blast-furnace slags are merwinite and melilite. Other minor
components which can form during progressive crystallization
are belite, monticellite, rankinite, wollastonite and forsterite. Minor amounts of reduced sulphur are
commonly encountered as oldhamite.[1]

Applications[edit]
GGBS is used to make durable concrete structures in combination with ordinary portland
cement and/or other pozzolanic materials. GGBS has been widely used in Europe, and increasingly
in the United States and in Asia (particularly in Japan and Singapore) for its superiority in concrete
durability, extending the lifespan of buildings from fifty years to a hundred years.[2]
Two major uses of GGBS are in the production of quality-improved slag cement, namely Portland
Blastfurnace cement (PBFC) and high-slag blast-furnace cement (HSBFC), with GGBS content
ranging typically from 30 to 70%; and in the production of ready-mixed or site-batched durable
concrete.
Concrete made with GGBS cement sets more slowly than concrete made with ordinary Portland
cement, depending on the amount of GGBS in the cementitious material, but also continues to gain
strength over a longer period in production conditions. This results in lower heat of hydration and
lower temperature rises, and makes avoiding cold joints easier, but may also affect construction
schedules where quick setting is required.
Use of GGBS significantly reduces the risk of damages caused by alkali–silica reaction (ASR),
provides higher resistance to chloride ingress — reducing the risk of reinforcement corrosion — and
provides higher resistance to attacks by sulfate and other chemicals.

How GGBS cement is used[edit]

GGBS cement can be added to concrete in the concrete manufacturer's batching plant, along with
Portland cement, aggregates and water. The normal ratios of aggregates and water to cementitious
material in the mix remain unchanged. GGBS is used as a direct replacement for Portland cement,
on a one-to-one basis by weight. Replacement levels for GGBS vary from 30% to up to 85%.
Typically 40 to 50% is used in most instances.
The use of GGBS in addition to Portland cement in concrete in Europe is covered in the concrete
standard EN 206:2013. This standard establishes two categories of additions to concrete along with
ordinary Portland cement: nearly inert additions (Type I) and pozzolanic or latent hydraulic additions
(Type II). GGBS cement falls in the latter category. As GGBS cement is slightly less expensive than
Portland cement, concrete made with GGBS cement will be similarly priced to that made with
ordinary Portland cement.
It is used partially as per mix ratio.

Architectural and engineering benefits[edit]

Durability[edit]
GGBS cement is routinely specified in concrete to provide protection against both sulphate attack
and chloride attack. GGBS has now effectively replaced sulfate-resisting Portland cement (SRPC)
on the market for sulfate resistance because of its superior performance and greatly reduced cost
compared to SRPC. Most projects in Dublin's Docklands, including Spencer Dock, are using GGBS
in subsurface concrete for sulfate resistance.
To protect against chloride attack, GGBS is used at a replacement level of 50% in concrete.
Instances of chloride attack occur in reinforced concrete in marine environments and in road bridges
where the concrete is exposed to splashing from road de-icing salts. In most NRA projects in Ireland
GGBS is now specified in structural concrete for bridge piers and abutments for protection against
chloride attack. The use of GGBS in such instances will increase the life of the structure by up to
50% had only Portland cement been used, and precludes the need for more expensive stainless
steel reinforcing.
GGBS is also routinely used to limit the temperature rise in large concrete pours. The more gradual
hydration of GGBS cement generates both lower peak and less total overall heat than Portland
cement. This reduces thermal gradients in the concrete, which prevents the occurrence
of microcracking which can weaken the concrete and reduce its durability, and was used for this
purpose in the construction of the Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork.
Appearance[edit]
In contrast to the stony grey of concrete made with Portland cement, the near-white color of GGBS
cement permits architects to achieve a lighter colour for exposed fair-faced concrete finishes, at no
extra cost. To achieve a lighter colour finish, GGBS is usually specified at between 50% to 70%
replacement levels, although levels as high as 85% can be used. GGBS cement also produces a
smoother, more defect free surface, due to the fineness of the GGBS particles. Dirt does not adhere
to GGBS concrete as easily as concrete made with Portland cement, reducing maintenance costs.
GGBS cement prevents the occurrence of efflorescence, the staining of concrete surfaces
by calcium carbonate deposits. Due to its much lower lime content and lower permeability, GGBS is
effective in preventing efflorescence when used at replacement levels of 50% to 60%.
Strength[edit]
Concrete containing GGBS cement has a higher ultimate strength than concrete made with Portland
cement. It has a higher proportion of the strength-enhancing calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) than
concrete made with Portland cement only, and a reduced content of free lime, which does not
contribute to concrete strength. Concrete made with GGBS continues to gain strength over time, and
has been shown to double its 28-day strength over periods of 10 to 12 years.[citation needed]
Sustainability[edit]
Since GGBS is a by-product of steel manufacturing process, its use in concrete is recognized
by LEED etc. as improving the sustainability of the project and will therefore add points towards
LEED certification. In this respect, GGBS can also be used for superstructure in addition to the
cases where the concrete is in contact with chlorides and sulfates. This is provided that the slower
setting time for casting of the superstructure is justified.

Notes[edit]
1. Jump up^ Snellings, R.; Mertens G.; Elsen J. (2012). "Supplementary cementitious materials". Reviews in Mineralogy
and Geochemistry. 74: 211–278. Bibcode:2012RvMG...74..211S. doi:10.2138/rmg.2012.74.6.
2. Jump up^ Department of Civil Engineering, BITS, Pilani – Hyderabad Campus. "HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE
WITH GGBS AND ROBO SAND" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-03-12.

Literature[edit]
 The Concrete Society, Cementitious Materials: The effect of ggbs, fly ash, silica fume and
limestone fines on the properties of concrete Cementitious materials

References[edit]
 U.S. Federal Highway Administration. "Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag". Archived
from the original on 2007-01-22. Retrieved 2007-01-24.
 Civil and Marine Company. "Frequently Asked Questions". Archived from the original on 2007-
01-13. Retrieved 2007-01-24.
 EnGro Corporation Ltd. "Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag (GGBS)". Archived from the
original on 2007-01-22. Retrieved 2007-01-24.
 Construct Ireland. "Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag (GGBS)". Archived from the original on
2010-07-20. Retrieved 2008-02-21.
 Ecocem. "Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag (GGBS)". Retrieved 2013-05-27.
 Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS)
The chemical composition of GGBS contributes to the production of superior cement concrete.

It ensures better durability of structures.

GGBS is considered as green building material for sustainable constructions.

Increased flexibility to meet individual requirement in RMC.

Download Brochure - (GGBS)
Granulated Blast Furnace Slag is obtained by rapidly chilling (quenching) the molten ash from the furnace with the help of water.
During this process, the slag gets fragmented and transformed into amorphous granules (glass), meeting the requirement of IS
12089:1987 (manufacturing specification for granulated slag used in Portland Slag Cement). The granulated slag is ground to
desired fineness for producing GGBS.

The chemical composition of JSW’s GGBS contributes to the production of superior cement. Over the period of time, its load-
bearing properties continue to increase as it absorbs surplus lime released during hydration to form more calcium silicate
hydrates. These hydrates add to the strength of the cement.

The multi-fold advantages of GGBS when used with Portland cement

 Ensures higher durability of structure.
 Reduces the temperature rise and helps to avoid early-age thermal cracking.
 Improved workability.
 It is off-white in colour and substantially lighter than Portland cement. Resultantly it helps soften
the visual impact of large structures such as bridges and retaining walls.
Where GGBS can be used?
GGBS significant attribute of providing ultimate strength when added to Portland cement makes it the preferred material in the
construction of;
 High-rise buildings.
 Marine applications such as dams, shore protection construction.
 Effluent and sewage treatment plants.
 Cement products such as tiles, pipes, blocks, etc.

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 INTRODUCTION
 As a result of growth in advance technology in concrete, high performance concrete
(HPC) has gainedworld wide popularity in the construction industry since 1990. In
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and very low w/cm ratios. Such concrete sufferfrom two major weaknesses. It is
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rangewater reducing agents(HRWR) then become a necessity, and resulting cohesive and
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 2
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