Publication

Abstract : The effects of introducing ultrafine ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) on the mechanical properties and the corrosion prevention properties of concrete are examined in this preliminary study. Introducing ultrafine GGBS reduces the workability of concrete, increases the compression strength, and surface bond stress. The ability of ultrafine GGBS to reduce corrosion of the steel rebar in concrete was studied using measurements of half-cell potential, open circuit potential, linear polarization resistance, and Tafel polarization in an accelerated environment 3.5% NaCl and 1 M H2SO4. For 10% addition of ultrafine GGBS, both the half cell and open circuit potentials shifted by about 20 mV, indicating enhanced cathodic protection of the steel rebar. The linear polarization resistance increased by about 50% from 50 K to 100 K by the addition of 10% ultrafine GGBS, while the corrosion current in Tafel polarization measurements reduced by 42%.