Producing green Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) using fine copper slag aggregates

Abstract

Improving the concrete mechanical properties/durability indicators and reducing its costs and environmental damage by using waste materials have always been strategies for the growth and development of the concrete industry, waste management and environmental protection. This research studied the effects of using fine copper slag (CS) aggregates on the strength and microstructural properties of roller compacted concretes (RCC) by testing a total of 7 mix-designs including 0–60% fine copper slag aggregates and the results showed that the best compressive strength performance, about 23.58% more than that of the control design, was related to the 91-day concrete containing 40% CS. An increase in the CS increased the RCC's tensile and flexural strength. Different-age, 40% copper-slag specimens had the lowest surface and capillary water absorption and penetration rates, and 60% ones had about 7% increase in the unit weight and 26.8% reduction in the production costs. The mechanical properties were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and the results showed that this research can help collect copper slag waste from the nature, produce nature-friendly RCCs, reduce pollutants and waste depot spaces, save energy and preserve the environment.