Breaking the 25% barrier: Evaluating high-volume slag concrete for sustainable UAE infrastructure
Ahmed Bediwy, Moustafa Basha, Mohamed Mekky, Farah Alnuaimi, Noora Alsayed, Shaikha Rashed
Abstract. As the United Arab Emirates forges ahead with its ambitious 2050 Net-Zero Initiative, a direct response to its national strategy and the UN Paris Agreement, the construction sector faces a critical challenge: decarbonizing one of its most fundamental materials, concrete, without compromising the longevity of its vast infrastructure1. Concrete is the second most consumed material on earth, and its key binder, cement, is responsible for 8–9% of global CO₂ emissions2. The use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), like slag, a byproduct of steel production, is a cornerstone of sustainable concrete design, reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing durability. In alignment with national sustainability goals, the UAE is actively promoting such practices, as outlined in national roadmaps like “Concrete Zero”2. However, a significant regulatory limitation persists, as current specifications often restrict slag content to a maximum of 25% due to concerns over its long-term durability in harsh environments, particularly regarding carbonation3. This precautionary cap, implemented in the absence of conclusive data, potentially limits the full environmental benefits of slag utilization. This research directly addresses this knowledge gap by experimentally investigating the feasibility and performance of concrete mixes incorporating slag content significantly beyond the conventional 25% limit. The primary objective is to comprehensively evaluate the effect of high-volume slag replacement (0%, 25%, 40%) on the key properties of concrete. The experimental program included a full suite of tests to assess fresh properties (workability, air content), mechanical properties (compressive, tensile, flexural, and shear strengths and modulus of elasticity), and durability properties (Abrasion, absorption and electrical resistivity). To interpret macro-scale performance, microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were conducted to examine the hydration products and pore structure. The ultimate objective is to establish a scientific foundation for revising the current 25% slag restriction, enabling the UAE construction sector to adopt higher slag volumes without compromising concrete quality. By doing so, the project directly supports the UAE’s climate action goals by facilitating a substantial reduction in the embodied carbon of its future infrastructure.
Keywords
Slag, Decarbonization, Optimization, Sustainability, Infrastructure
Published online 6/20/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Ahmed Bediwy, Moustafa Basha, Mohamed Mekky, Farah Alnuaimi, Noora Alsayed, Shaikha Rashed, Breaking the 25% barrier: Evaluating high-volume slag concrete for sustainable UAE infrastructure, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 67, pp 832-839, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904176-115
The article was published as article 115 of the book Climate Action and Sustainability
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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