Optimization of copper slag for the production of green and sustainable concrete

Abstract

There is a pressing need for an alternate solution for the natural fine aggregate in the construction industry since the availability of natural resources is decreasing tremendously due to urbanization and industrialization. On the other hand, increased waste generation enormously, the disposal of the industrial waste efficiently and economically is another big task. Therefore, utilization of industrial by-product in concrete is not only a method to dispose the industrial waste but also enhances the construction industry. In this paper, we discuss in detail the possibilities of utilizing copper slag, a by product obtained during the smelting and refining of copper as an alternative for manufactured sand as fine aggregate in reinforced cement concrete through systematic evaluation of physical, mechanical and chemical properties. Various mix designs of M25 and m30 are prepared and the fine aggregate is replaced with copper slag in different proportions and conducted the strength tests. Nondestructive tests, durability tests, and compositional analysis (SEM-EDAX). The results suggest that copper slag can indeed be used as a fine aggregate replacement for manufactured sand reinforced cement concrete, without compromising on the quality, thereby contributing to the direction of environment friendly building materials with economic benefits, which is the need of the hour.