Title:
Optimized Fiber-Reinforced Slag Concrete for Freeze-Thaw Resilience (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Abdul Basit Dahar, Fouad T. Al Rikabi, Issam Khoury, Safiya Ahmed, Husam H. Hussein, and Shad Sargand
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
dynamic modulus; electric arc furnace steel slag; flexural strength; freeze-thaw durability; polypropylene fibers; slag concrete; XRF analysis
DOI:
10.14359/51749255
Date:
10/8/2025
Abstract:
This paper presents findings from an experimental study focused on the performance of concrete composed entirely of 100% slag aggregate, enhanced with polypropylene (PP) fibers, subjected to severe freeze-thaw cycling between -60°C and +60°C. The research employed varying fiber lengths of 19.01, 38.1, and 57.15 mm and dosages of 3, 6, and 9 kg/m3. Findings indicate that the incorporation of fibers contributes to the overall resilience of the slag aggregate concrete under freeze-thaw conditions. To evaluate freeze-thaw resistance, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was determined using the Ohio CTE method and AASHTO TP60-00. Additionally, dynamic modulus, mass loss, and flexural strength were assessed. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was performed on slag aggregates to characterize their chemical composition. Findings indicate that the incorporation of fibers, particularly at a dosage of 9 kg/m3 and a length of 57.15 mm, enhances the resilience of the slag aggregate concrete under 300 freeze-thaw conditions as specified in ASTM C666/C666M-15, leading to improved flexural strength and reduced mass loss (less than 7%). However, some fiber-reinforced concrete samples experienced up to a 26.776% decrease in flexural strength after freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, 38.1 mm fibers at varying dosages effectively mitigated the adverse effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the concrete's thermal expansion. In contrast, concrete without fibers lost over 40% of its mass. This contribution is particularly significant given the scarcity of data on the performance of concrete entirely made up of slag aggregate and mixed with PP fibers of different lengths in extreme weather environments.