Use of slag to develop 3D printing mortars mixtures for artificial reefs

Abstract

Climate change and human activities significantly impact coastal regions, resulting in severe consequences. This includes a decline in local fauna and flora, between others. To support the restoration of marine ecosystems, society and industries have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by developing initiatives that restore ecological balance. One such initiative is the development of artificial reefs (ARs), which attract and protect various species of fauna and flora. Through different shapes, materials and compositions Rs create spaces where different species can interact. Another sustainability initiative is the revalorization of the waste. Industries like aggregates and steel, create a significant volume of waste in in form of slags and inert waste residues. While part of them have found some utilization, a considerable volume still arrives to landfills and or serves as backfill. This abstract presents preliminary studies on developing mortar containing slag as part of its composition. It studies the different combination of elements that fulfils the strength requirements, but also provides a good consistency that allows the material to be used in a concrete 3D printer. Concrete 3D printing enables the creation of diverse AR shapes without the limitations of traditional mould.