Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag — supplementary cementitious material
GGBS
GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag) is a supplementary cementitious material used in Ready Mix Concrete. It is a by-product from the iron manufacturing industry processed into a fine powder, used as a partial replacement for cement (typically 20% to 70%) to improve concrete performance and durability.
Uses of GGBS in RMC
- Improve durability
- Reduce heat generation
- Increase long-term strength
- Improve workability
- Reduce cement consumption
- Enhance resistance to chemicals and sulphates
Advantages
| Improved durability | Increases concrete life |
| Low heat of hydration | Suitable for mass concreting |
| Better workability | Produces smoother concrete mix |
| Higher long-term strength | Strength improves over time |
| Reduced cracking | Minimises thermal cracks |
| Sulphate resistance | Protects concrete in aggressive environments |
| Eco-friendly | Reduces carbon footprint by lowering cement usage |
| Better finish | Lighter and smoother surface |
Applications
- High-rise buildings
- Bridges
- Marine structures
- Raft foundations
- Metro projects
- Industrial flooring
- Water-retaining structures
Cement vs GGBS
| Main binding material | Supplementary material |
| Generates more heat | Generates less heat |
| Higher early strength | Higher later strength |
| Higher carbon emission | Eco-friendly |
