Technical briefs, research results, and publications stemming from the USDOT Steel Slag Initiative will be regularly uploaded and shared on this page.

Please find the latest project publications listed below. Scroll to the bottom of this page for a glossary of definitions commonly used by the USDOT Steel Slag Initiative.

2026-2030 Research Plan:
USDOT Steel Slag Initiative

This Research Plan has been developed after a robust evaluation of existing information and communication with industrial partners to advance use of steel slag as a value-added material in cementitious systems …

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Steel Slag Gap Analysis: Use in Cement & Concrete for Transportation

Steel slag represents a promising material for the transportation sector as a potential supplementary cementitious material. However, knowledge gaps currently prevent widespread adoption …

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Tech Briefs:
USDOT Steel Slag Initiative

Technical briefs and other research developed through the USDOT Steel Slag Initiative will be published on this page as they become available. Click the link below to explore the latest findings, resources, and updates from the initiative …

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Glossary of Definitions

This list contains the standardized terms and definitions used by the USDOT Steel Slag Initiative.
Last Updated: 4/2/2026. For Questions: USDOTsteelslaginitiative@rutgers.edu

Term Abbreviation Definition Source
(if applicable)
(Ground) Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (G) GBFS The glassy, granular material formed when molten blast-furnace slag is rapidly chilled, as by immersion in water. ASTM CC125-21A
Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag BOFS Steel slag produced during the conversion of molten iron to steel in a basic oxygen furnace. It is typically rich in calcium, iron oxides, and magnesium-bearing phases. FHWA-RD-97-148 / ASTM D8021-20
Blast-Furnace Slag BFS The nonmetallic product, consisting essentially of silicates and aluminosilicates of calcium and other bases, that is developed in a molten condition simultaneously with iron in a blast furnace. ASTM CC125-21A
Electric Arc Furnace Slag EAFS Steel slag produced during steelmaking in an electric arc furnace, typically from scrap-based steel production, consisting primarily of calcium silicates, iron-bearing phases, and magnesium-containing compounds. ASTM WK95871 / ASTM D8021-20
Ladle Slag LS A secondary refining slag generated during ladle metallurgy after primary steelmaking, used to control steel chemistry and remove impurities. FHWA-RD-97-148
Slag A nonmetallic byproduct of metal smelting, refining, or steelmaking, consisting primarily of oxides and silicates that separate from the molten metal. EPA CAS Number 69029-84-1
Slag Cement SC Granulated blast-furnace slag that has been ground to cement fineness, with or without additions, and that is a hydraulic cement. ASTM CC125-21A
Stainless and Specialty Steel Making Slag Electric arc furnace slag generated during stainless steel or high-alloy steel production. ASTM D8021-20
Steel Slag SS A non-metallic product, consisting essentially of calcium silicates and ferrites, combined with fused oxides of iron, aluminum, manganese, calcium, and magnesium, which is developed simultaneously with steel in basic oxygen or electric arc furnaces. FHWA-RD-97-148 / ASTM D8021-20
Steel Slag Aggregate SSA Aggregate produced from steel slag that has been processed for use in construction applications derived from basic oxygen furnace slag, electric arc furnace slag, ladle slag, or related steelmaking slags. FHWA-RD-97-148
Supplementary Cementitious Material SCM An inorganic material that contributes to the properties of a cementitious mixture through hydraulic or pozzolanic activity or both. ASTM CC125-21A