Investigation on applicability of spherical shaped EAF slag fine aggregate in pavement concrete – Fundamental and durability properties

•Spherical EAF slag concrete requires less mix water and cement than normal concrete.•Both spherical and angular EAF slag concrete show superior mechanical properties.•Spherical EAF slag concrete exhibits lesser shrinkage, air and water permeability.•Spherical EAF slag is a promising alternative of sand in concrete pavement. Electric Arc Furnace oxidizing slag (EAF slag) is a steel manufacturing byproduct. Recently, due to the adoption of new production method, spherical shaped EAF slag has been produced and applicability of this material in concrete requires to be investigated. EAF slag possesses the characteristic property of high density. Moreover, lesser water is required when spherical shaped EAF slag is used in concrete. Considering these characteristics, there is high possibility to apply spherical shaped EAF slag in concrete pavement which requires low slump and high flexural strength. In this experimental study, concrete specimens were casted by replacing sand with spherical and angular shaped EAF slag at a volume ratio of 0.0, 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 for the water to cement ratio (W/C) and slump of 0.4 and 5 cm respectively. Fresh behavior such as slump, air content, fresh density and bleeding of casted concrete were measured and mechanical and durability properties of casted specimens were tested after the curing age of 3, 7 and 28 days. Results show that both spherical and angular EAF slag have a positive effect on the mechanical properties of concrete. In addition, spherical EAF slag concrete showed improved fresh and durability properties.