Base Stabilization Using Pelletized Blast Furnace Slag

Abstract Laboratory studies on the use of fine-grained, self-cementing pelletized blast furnace slag in stabilized base construction are presented. The slag chemistry is such that the finer portions of ground pelletized slag show cementing properties. A satisfactory stabilized base mix composed of 70% crusher run blast furnace slag and 30% ground pelletized slag has been developed, and the critical level of minus No. 200 fines has been established. The ground pelletized slag is readily produced, even from moist pellets, using an intensive mixer with a high speed rotor that grinds the slag. The strength development of the ground pelletized slag is not very sensitive to the glass content but is highly dependent on the quantity and Blaine fineness of the minus No. 200 fines in the ground slag. A procedure for the determination of glass content is given. The use of ground pelletized blast furnace slag offers a viable alternative to the use of asphaltic or portland cements in many cases, with an attendant saving in energy resource requirements.