Understanding the influence of replacing cement with GGBS on compressive and flexural strengths of concrete at medium workability conditions

Concrete being one of the key ingredients in most civil engineering structures is undoubtedly and either directly or indirectly responsible for polluting the environment, especially while producing cement. Keeping this as a perspective, several researchers all over the world are finding ways and means to decrease the use of cement or replacing it with alternate materials without compromising the performance and quality of concrete. Though extensive research has been done in this area, an emphasis is given in this study on understanding the effect of replacing the cement with GGBS (Ground granulated blast furnace slag) on compressive and flexural strengths of concrete at upper range of medium degree of workability (slump of 80-100mm) as per IS 456-2000. It was noticed that though there is a decrease in compressive strength of concrete at replacements tried, compressive strengths up 50% replacement level are above the target mean strength of concrete. Improvement in flexural strength is noticed beyond 30% replacement of cement with GGBS.