Effects of basic Oxygen steel slag (BOS) on strength and durability of kaolinite

The use of various slags as by-products of steel industry is well established in civil engineering applications. However, the use of BOS slag in the area of soil stabilization has not been fully researched and developed despite having similar chemical composition and mineralogy to that of Portland cement. This paper reports on efforts to extend the use of BOS slag to soil stabilization by determining possible beneficial effects it may have on compressive strength and durability. Results of laboratory tests conducted on kaolinite samples stabilized with lime and treated with various percentages of BOS slag are presented. Tests determined strength development of compacted cylinders, moist cured in a humid environment at 35° C and durability by freezing and thawing method. Results showed that additions of BOS slag to kaolinite samples singularly or in combination with lime increased unconfined compressive strength and durability. These characteristics were significantly enhanced by the concurrent use of lime and BOS slag for stabilization of kaolinite.