BREAKING GROUND: EVALUATING THE FEASIBILITY OF DSC TEST STEEL SLAG AS A VIABLE AGGREGATE IN NIGERIA
Abstract
The Delta Steel Company (DSC) test steel slag, a byproduct of direct reduction electric arc steelmaking technology, was generated using lime from Mfamosing limestone (Calabar, Nigeria), direct reduced iron from low phosphorus iron ore (Liberia), and scrap iron as feed. Accumulated over time in the company's slag dump site, these heaps posed environmental challenges both to the company and the local community. Nigeria, endowed with abundant natural aggregates, has predominantly relied on these resources in construction, building, and transportation industries, overlooking the potential use of solid industrial by-products like blast furnace and steelmaking slags. Despite being produced in significant quantities, these by-products have been underutilized due to a lack of research knowledge.
This study addresses the existing knowledge gap and explores the potential contribution of the DSC test steel slag to Nigeria's aggregate industry. The historical use of steelmaking slags in various industries, such as construction and transportation, has been documented, primarily focusing on their physical and mechanical properties. However, concerns about unsoundness arising from the presence of hydratable oxides, particularly lime and magnesia, have been noted in the literature. The research aims to evaluate the suitability of the test steel slag as an aggregate in Nigeria, considering its physical and mechanical properties while addressing concerns related to hydratable oxides.
By assessing the viability of incorporating the DSC test steel slag into Nigeria's aggregate industry, this research contributes to sustainable practices and conservation of natural resources. The findings offer insights into utilizing industrial by-products for construction purposes, potentially reducing dependency on traditional natural aggregates. This exploration aligns with global efforts towards environmentally friendly and resource-efficient construction practices.