Stress–Strain Behavior of Geogrid Reinforced Steel Slag in Triaxial Test Condition

Over the last few years, the use of recycled waste materials in different construction activities has been increasing. The present study explores the suitability of steel slag, an industrial by-product, in geotechnical fill applications. Triaxial tests were conducted on specimens of 75 mm diameter and 150 mm height prepared at a relative density of 70% in dry and saturated conditions. The specimens were subjected to a strain rate of 1.25 mm/min during the testing. Test samples were reinforced with geogrid to enhance the strength of the material. The stress–strain behavior, effect of number of reinforcement layers, energy absorption capacity and particle breakage of the material were assessed. The findings indicated that steel slag has higher strength as compared to the commonly used geotechnical fill materials. The friction angle of slag in dry condition was found to be 50°, which reduced to 46° in saturated condition. Use of the geogrid improved the energy absorption capacity of steel slag. A maximum of 1.6 times improvement in the energy absorbing capacity was observed in the presence of geogrid. Moreover, a particle breakage factor of 0.058 was observed, which indicated negligible breakage of the particles.