THE INFLUENCE OF SLAG CONTENT ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE, PERMEABILITY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE. PART 1: MICROSTRUCTURAL STUDIES AND BASIC MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

The microstructural, permeability and basic mechanical properties (shrinkage, hardening time and strength) of slag concretes made of neutral (CaO/SiO2=1) and low alumina content (Al2O3=8.5%) slags were investigated. Alkali-activated slag concrete was studied by comparison with Portland cement concrete and blended cement concrete. The reasons for the cracking tendency in the alkali activated slag concrete were discussed on the basis of microstructural studies. (A)