A systematic review of ferronickel slag in cement-based materials as binder and aggregate

This review analyses studies regarding the use of ferronickel slag (FNS) as a partial replacement for binder and partial or total replacement for fine aggregate in cement-based materials in a systematic way. To this effect, the chemical composition of FNS was described, as well as its effect on pastes, mortars and concretes regarding fresh and hardened state properties such as compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths and modulus of elasticity. Setting times and chloride ion related durability was also analysed. Generally, it was found that fine aggregate FNS in partial replacements tends to improve the mechanical properties, while reducing workability. FNS as a binder reduced the compressive strength in most samples, but at certain proportions and situations might still be of interest for use in civil construction. Chloride ion penetration was in most cases reduced with the presence of FNS in the mix.