Slag that is quenched in water produces angular granules which are disposed of as waste or utilized as discussed below.
One study done by the School of Resources and Safety Engineering at Central South University in Changsha, China explores copper slag as a concrete aggregate.
Life cycle inventory analysis compiles data on the energy input and output throughout the process of creating cement within the boundaries of the goal and scope.
Once the analysis is complete the results are confirmed against other studies as part of the life cycle interpretation phase.
In 2015 the Department of Civil Engineering at the Parisutham Institute of Technology and Science performed a study on the behavior of copper slag aggregate.
These results can be due to the low water absorption of copper slag (0.16%) compared to sand (1.25%).
However, copper slag has lower water absorption and creates higher slump which causes bleeding in concrete.
Due to this problem, the researchers recommend a usage of up to 60% copper slag to sand ratio.
The granulated slag (<3 mm size fraction) has both insulating and drainage properties which are usable to avoid ground frost in winter which in turn prevents pavement cracks.
Due to the same reasons the granulated slag is usable as a filler and insulating material in house foundations in a cold climate.
The use of heavy-weight concrete eliminates the need for thick walls which serve as architectural obstacles and limit the available space.
In this study concrete mixes were prepared with different percentages of GGBFS and CS as a partial replacement of cement and natural fine aggregate, respectively.
The radiation shielding capability of concrete mixes was evaluated in terms of linear attenuation coefficient (μ) and half-value layer (HVL).
The use of GGBFS as a partial replacement of cement generally resulted in a minor increase in the linear attenuation coefficient of mixes.
It was confirmed from the test results that partially replacing natural sand with CS further reduced the half-value layer (HVL) thickness.
Results showed that concrete made with 60% GGBFS and 100% CS exhibit superior radiation shielding capability and satisfies the strength requirements for structural applications.