Title: The effect of replacing sand by iron slag on physical, mechanical and radiological properties of cement mortar

Authors: Ahmed S. Ouda; Hamdy A. Gawwad

Addresses: Housing and Building National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; University College of Taimaa, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia ' Housing and Building National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

Abstract: In the present study, the effects of replacing sand by different percentages of basic-oxygen furnace slag on compressive strength, bulk density and gamma ray-radiation properties of mortar have been investigated. Replacement percentages were 0, 40, 80 and 100% by weight of used aggregate. Likewise, linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half-value and tenth-value layers in addition to mean free path for the tested samples were measured. The results indicated that the strength properties of mixtures increased significantly upon replacing sand partially by iron slag. It is also revealed that the inclusion of iron slag as a partial replacement to sand enhances the bulk density of mortar. On the other hand, the replaced fine slag sample at level 100% has significant effects on shielding efficiency in thick shields, as it reduces the capture gamma-rays better than the conventional mortar.

Keywords: basic-oxygen slag; cement mortar; radiation attenuation coefficients; half value layer; tenth value layer; mean free path; sand replacement; iron slag; physical properties; mechanical properties; radiological properties; furnace slag; compressive strength; bulk density; gamma irradiation; shielding efficiency; industrial waste; waste aggregates; concrete; materials recycling; materials reuse.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2015.074100

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2015 Vol.9 No.3, pp.249 - 262

Received: 03 Mar 2015
Accepted: 11 Oct 2015
Published online: 08 Jan 2016 *

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