Steel slag can be the material for which of the following?1. Construction of base road2. Improvement of agricultural soil3. Production of cementSelect the correct answer using the code given below:
✓ Correct answer: d) 1, 2 and 3 UPSC GS Paper-I PYQs 502
ExplanationSteel Slag, a by-product of steel making, is produced during the separation of the molten steel from impurities in steel-making furnaces.The slag occurs as a molten liquid melt and is a complex solution of silicates and oxides that solidi- fies upon cooling.Statement 1 is correct: Steel slag is widely used as a base course material in road construction, providing a strong and durable foundation beneath asphalt roads, tracks, and paved surfaces.Its high strength, resistance to deformation, and excellent drainage properties enhance pavement longevity.Statement 2 is correct: Steel slag can be used in the agricultural sector due to its ability to correct soil acidity.In fact, developed countries like Japan, the USA have taken the lead in making fer- tilisers using steel-making slag.Statement 3 is correct: Additionally, it is utilized in the pro- duction of Portland slag cement (PSC), where it is blended with ordinary Portland cement to improve durability and resistance to chemical attacks.This not only enhances cement quality but also promotes sustainable construction by recycling
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