Effects of EAF Slag, Steel Fiber, and Polyurea Coating on Mechanical Properties and Sulfuric Acid Resistance of Concrete Pipes

Abstract

In this study, the effect of using electric arc furnace (EAF) slag for infrastructure pipes was investigated. By using EAF slags and natural aggregates, normal and high strength concrete mixtures with and without steel fiber were produced for concrete pipes. The physical, mechanical, and permeability properties and fracture behavior of these concrete mixtures were determined. The usability of EAF slags in concrete and reinforced concrete pipes with acidic corrosion risk was investigated by exposing the concrete samples to sulfuric acid attacks. In addition, some concrete samples and concrete pipes were covered with polyurea material. Thus, apart from using EAF aggregates, the effect of a polyurea coating on the resistance of concrete pipes against acid effects and crushing strength were also investigated. When EAF aggregates were used instead of natural aggregates, the mechanical properties and resistance of the concrete against acidic corrosion increased. The polyurea coating on concrete pipes provided a more obvious improvement against acid attack and increased the crush strength of the pipes. As a result, it is possible to produce concrete pipes with a longer service life by using EAF aggregates or polyurea coatings.