Performance and durability properties of self-compacting mortars with electric arc furnace dust as filler

This study analyses the feasibility of incorporating electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) in the production of self-compacting mortars from the point of view of durability. Two types of EAFD, previously characterized and classified as hazardous waste, were used. Siliceous filler (powder) was replaced at different ratios (25%, 50%, and 100%, by volume). The following self-compacting mortar properties were measured at different curing times: total heat of hydration, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, pore size distribution through mercury intrusion porosimetry, shrinkage and mass loss, water absorption by capillary, water absorption capacity, bulk density, skeletal density, open porosity for water, wettability by contact angle measurement, electrical resistivity, and carbonation depth. Although some of properties linked to the durability of the mortars, such as water absorption by capillarity, wettability or carbonation, were negatively affected by the incorporation of the EAFD, the results show the feasibility of replacing siliceous filler at up to 25% and the valorisation of EAFD as a secondary raw material (SRM). This research demonstrated that EAFD can be used as SRM as an alternative to landfills, thereby contributing to the promotion of the new circular economic model pursued by the European Union.