Durability assessment of self compacting concrete incorporating copper slag as fine aggregates

Abstract

The present study intends to evaluate the durability of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) containing copper slag as fine aggregates. A total of six SCC mixes were cast with 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% copper slag substitution at constant w/b ratio of 0.45. The various tests conducted on SCC mixes included fresh properties, compressive strength, sulfate attack, accelerated carbonation, electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, initial surface absorption and sorptivity. Results showed that fresh properties enhanced with increment in copper slag substitution. The maximum compressive strength was noticed for 20% copper slag. In sulfate exposure, gain in weight and decrease in compressive strength was observed for concrete mixes. Incorporation of copper slag has significant effect in the reduction of carbonation. The benefit of utilizing copper slag in construction industry bestows as substitute to fine aggregates, preserves natural resources and no land management for disposal of copper slag. This study suggests that 60% copper slag is an optimum content as partial replacement to conventional sand for either enhanced or comparable durability behavior of SCC.