International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Natural aggregates are one of the most important materials used in the construction sector. They are widely used in the construction of roads, concrete structures, and railway tracks. In concrete, aggregates make up about 50–60% of the total volume, while in road construction they account for nearly 75–80% of the materials used. Due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, the demand for natural aggregates is increasing continuously. Excessive extraction of these materials not only depletes natural resources but also creates environmental concerns.
To reduce the dependence on natural aggregates and promote sustainable construction practices, researchers are exploring the use of industrial by-products as alternative materials. Steel slag, which is generated during the steel manufacturing process, is one such material with significant potential. After cooling and processing, steel slag exhibits desirable engineering properties such as high strength, good resistance to impact, abrasion, and crushing, making it suitable for use in pavement construction. However, steel slag has certain limitations. Its porous structure results in higher water absorption, which can lead to volume instability and affect long-term performance. Therefore, suitable treatment methods are required before its use as an aggregate. Surface treatments such as cement paste coating and oil paint coating have been reported to reduce water absorption and improve the durability of steel slag at a relatively low cost.
This study focuses on evaluating the suitability of steel slag as a replacement for natural aggregates in flexible pavement construction. Different replacement percentages of steel slag are considered to identify the optimum level that provides satisfactory strength and durability. The performance of treated steel slag is also assessed through various laboratory tests to determine its effectiveness as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional aggregates used in road construction.

Sahil Thorave, Anand Tapase,"Replacement of Steel Slag as Aggregate in Flexible Pavement" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(3): Page(2256-2264) May-June 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.