Investigating the effects of steel slag powder on the properties of self-compacting concrete with recycled aggregates

•This study investigated the relationships among multiple mechanical properties of SCRAC.•Different replacement ratios of SSP had significant impacts on properties of SCRAC.•SSP improved filling ability and passing ability of SCC, but adversely affected segregation resistance.•The 10% replacement ratio of SSP was found achieving both superior mechanical properties and better durability. This study introduced both steel slag and recycled aggregate aiming to improve the sustainability performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The study focused on investigating the effects of steel slag powder on the properties of self-compacting concrete with recycled aggregate (SCRAC). Recycled aggregates were used to replace 30% of natural coarse aggregates by volume. The effects of various replacement ratios of steel slag powder (SSP) to Portland cement (i.e., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of SCRAC were studied. The results showed that SSP improved filling ability and passing ability of SCC, but adversely affected the segregation resistance. It was found that 10% replacement ratio of SSP to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in SCRAC showed superior mechanical properties and higher durability performance in resisting chloride penetration and carbonation.