Building Green with GGBS: The Sustainable Choice for Plastering

WHAT IS GGBS...?

GGBS stands for Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag. It is a by-product from the blast-furnaces used to make iron. It is used as a replacement for Portland cement in dry mix and concrete.

BENEFICIAL ROLE OF GGBS IN PLASTERING...

Architectural and Engineering benefits.

• Enhanced Durability and Strength

GGBS cement is routinely specified in plastering to provide protection against both sulphate attack and chloride attack. It enhances the durability of plaster by reducing permeability, which helps in resisting chloride and sulphate attack. The reactivity of GGBS with cement offers an increase in the compressive strength for different plaster mixes.

• Improved Workability

Plaster containing GGBS tends to be more workable due to its fine particle size and easier to handle and place, which can improve the quality of construction and reduce labour costs.  This makes it easier to apply and finish, leading to smoother surfaces.

• Reduced Heat of Hydration

GGBS generates less heat during the hydration process compared to ordinary Portland cement. This reduces the risk of thermal cracking in the plaster.

• Environmental benefits

GGBS is one of the eco-friendliest construction materials in the modern construction industry. The manufacturing of GGBS utilises all the slag, incurring zero environmental waste.  GGBS is a by-product of the steel industry, and its use reduces the need for clinker, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions or carbon footprints associated with clinker production. This can be an important consideration for environmentally conscious projects.

• Aesthetic Appeal

GGBS plaster tends to provide a smoother and more uniform finish compared to traditional cement plaster. This smoothness can enhance the aesthetic appeal of walls and ceilings. GGBS plaster is less prone to efflorescence due to its lower alkali content. 

In summary, using GGBS in plastering can enhance both the aesthetic appeal and overall quality of the finish. It offers a smoother, lighter, and more uniform surface with reduced risk of efflorescence. In terms of quality, GGBS improves durability, strength, workability, and sustainability.