Effects of basic-oxygen furnace, electric-arc furnace, and ladle furnace slags on the hydration and durability properties of construction materials: A review

Concrete production is a cornerstone of infrastructure development, yet its environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, is concerning. To mitigate these emissions, the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete production has gained attention. Steel slag, a byproduct of the steel industry, has emerged as a promising SCM due to its abundant silica and alumina content. However, challenges such as volumetric expansion hinder its widespread application. This review examines the utilization of steel slag in concrete, focusing on its hydration and durability contributions. Various treatment methods to address low reactivity and expansion issues are discussed, including aqueous carbonation, alkali activation, accelerated carbonation, and thermal treatment. The review covers three main types of slag—basic-oxygen furnace (BOF), electric-arc furnace (EAF), and ladle furnace (LF) slag—and explores their diverse characteristics. While steel slag shows promise for enhancing the properties of concrete, further research is needed to develop scalable treatment methods ensuring volumetric stability. This review contributes to the sustainable reuse of waste materials and provides valuable insights into incorporating steel slag in construction materials.