Conference on Steel Slag Road
Context:
An International Conference on Steel Slag Road was recently held in New Delhi.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Infrastructure)
Key highlights:
- The conference was a collaborative effort between CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).
- During the event, the “Guidelines for Utilization and Processing of Steel Slag as Processed Steel Slag Aggregates in Road Construction” were released.
- These guidelines aim to promote the use of steel slag in road construction and maintenance, offering benefits such as cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved road quality.
- The Ministry of Steel sponsored a major R&D project with CSIR-CRRI to facilitate the large-scale use of steel slag, aligning with the “waste to wealth” principle.
Significance:
- India requires approximately 1.8 billion tonnes of natural aggregates annually for construction and maintenance.
- Using processed steel slag aggregates as a substitute for natural aggregates can help preserve the ecosystem by reducing unsustainable quarrying and mining activities.
- Steel slag, a byproduct of steel production, primarily consists of oxides of calcium, iron, silicon, magnesium, and other elements, making it a viable alternative for construction use.
