Use of converter slag as ballast for offshore windmills foundations

摘要

Converter slag is a by-product generated by the steelmaking process. It is an excellent candidate for ballast for offshore windmill structures as it would replace the need to use natural stones and would not cause disturbance to the natural sea floor. The slag is dense (i.e. ArcelorMittal Fos-sur-Mer: p(a) ～3,40 t/m~3) and naturally expands in water as the free lime and magnesia hydrates and carbonates. Extensive modeling and experimentation have shown that converter slag, in a closed concrete structure is beneficial structurally, economically and environmentally.