Evaluation of Blast Furnace Slag Ternary Blended Cements in Assessing Durability

Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) is widely used in the construction industry in large structures throughout the world. However, there is a concern with its use with ordinary Portland cement because of its propensity for autogenous shrinkage leading to cracking. Ternary blends of blast furnace slag/OPC and silica fume were therefore considered as a solution to avoid cracking. Ternary blends have the advantage of increasing early age strength as well as improving several other concrete properties. However, there is reluctance in the use of ternary blends of GGBFS where OPC becomes the minor ingredient. This is due to factors that include supply and demand, geographic location, economic considerations, and conservative attitudes. This paper examines the mechanical properties of such ternary blends as well as their resistance to chloride ion penetration.