Slag cement usage in construction lessens emissions, reduces environmental pollution

By Prerna Mishra: The usage of slag cement or ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) in the concrete can make it a greener material and help in minimising environmental pollution. Prof NV Ramana Rao, Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hybearbad talked about this and more while addressing a technical meet organised by JSW Cement Ltd.

Concrete is considered as a highly durable material in nature and the incorporation of slag cement can make it more environment-friendly. Replacing a portion of portland cement with slag cement in a concrete mixture can result in more consistent concrete and will also improve the durability of structures.

Slag cement has low heat of hydration and is relatively better resistant to soils and water containing excessive amounts of sulphater of alkali metals. Some measurable improvements in the construction with the usage of slag cement are increased workability, better finish, higher resistance to aggressive chemicals, plastic and hardened properties.

Besides, being a recycled material, it is also reckoned as a consumption reducer and lessens greenhouse gasses emitted in the production of concrete raw materials.

As per recent reports, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) is mulling to set up a slag-based steel plant with an investment of nearly Rs 2,000 crore. VSP generates more than 800,000t of slag every year as a by-product, wherein around 1,000 tonnes is being exported.