Abstract—This paper investigates the possibility of utilizing Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) as a sand substitute in cement mortar, in order to reduce environmental problems related to aggregate mining and waste disposal. In this investigation, cement mortar mix 1:3 and GBFS at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacement to natural sand for constant w/c ratio of 0.5 is considered. The work is extended to 100% replacements of natural sand with GBFS for w/c ratios of 0.4 and 0.6. The flow characteristics of the various mixes and their compressive strengths at various ages are studied. From this study it is observed that GBFS could be utilized partially as alternative construction material for natural sand in mortar applications. Reduction in workability expressed as flow can be compensated by adding suitable percentage of super plasticizer.

Index Terms—Granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), Compressive strength, Workability, Mortar flow, Super plasticizer

Cite: M. C. Nataraja, P. G. Dileep Kumar, A. S. Manu, and M. C. Sanjay, "     Use of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag as Fine Aggregate in Cement Mortar," International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 59-68, May 2013.