Impact of Sugar Beet Waste on Strength and Durability of Alkali-Activated Slag Cement

Herein, the first trial to investigate the possibility of using one type of sugar beet waste, named carbonation lime residue after calcination (CCR), as an additive for alkali-activated slag (AAS) cement was explored. For this reason, typical AAS cement was prepared, then slag was partially replaced with CCR at levels ranging from 2.5 to 15% by weight. To explore the effect of CCR on the properties of AAS pastes, typical traditional tests such as flowability, setting time, and compressive strength at various ages were measured. In addition, different types of durability such as accelerated aging, water-air cycles, water-hot air cycles, HCl attack, and cyclic wetting in 5% Na2SO4 and drying at 80 degrees C (176 degrees F) were explored. The results were analyzed with different advanced devices. The results showed that it is possible to use CCR as an additive, similar to CaO, for AAS cement. The flowability and setting time decreased with the inclusion of CCR. The inclusion of 5% CCR in AAS cement was the optimal content, which proved the best compressive strength, microstructure, and durability. On the contrary, the inclusion of 15% CCR showed a negative effect. The pronounced outcomes of this investigation may be the solution for sugar beet waste landfills and improving the properties of AAS cement.

Automated summary

This study investigated the possibility of using carbonation lime residue (CCR) as an additive for alkali-activated slag (AAS) cement and found that CCR can serve as a substitute for AAS cement. The inclusion of an appropriate amount of CCR improved the flowability, setting time, compressive strength, microstructure, and durability of AAS cement.