Characteristics of M30 Grade Concrete using Copper Slag as Partial Replacement for River Sand as Fine Aggregate

Abstract

Concrete is the preferred construction material for a wide range of buildings, bridges, and any other civil engineering structures. It is the second most widely consumed substance on earth after water. Aggregates are considered as one of the main constituents of concrete since they occupy 70-80% of the volume of concrete. In many countries, there is a scarcity of natural aggregates. To reduce dependence on natural aggregates as the main source of aggregate in concrete, artificially manufactured aggregates generated from industrial wastes provide an alternative for the construction industry. Copper slag is one such industrial waste that can be implemented as an alternative for natural aggregate. Copper slag is an excellent by-product or waste material that retains its original properties. Due to its chemical composition which includes high iron, silica, and aluminum oxide content, it can be used as a partial replacement for sand in concrete mixes. This paper emphasizes COPPER SLAG CONCRETE which is a new evolution in the field of concrete design. Copper slag upon using as a partial replacement for river sand as fine aggregate can avoid the voids in the concrete and may increase the durability and strength of the structure. In this study M30 grade concrete mixes of 30%, 40%, and 50% replacement of river sand with copper slag are tested for compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths for the ages of 1, 3, 7, 28, 56, and 91 days of curing.