Durability performance of copper slag concrete admixed with polypropylene fiber

Abstract

This experimental investigation dealt with replacement of copper slag as fine aggregate up to 60% and volume fraction of polypropylene fibre rages from 0% to 0.6%. Acid resistance, sulphate resistance, water absorption, Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) and sorptivity tests were carried out to explore durability characteristics. It is evident that 40% to 60% copper slag replacement is having ability to resist acid and sulphate environment. Loss of compressive strength is more predominant in acid environment than sulphate immersion. Water absorption of copper slag replaced concrete is less compared to control concrete. Very low chloride penetrability was recorded during RCPT experiment. All mixes shows less capillary suction compared to control. Increase in percentage of copper slag decreases the depth of capillary suction for a stipulated time of immersion. This ensures that only small amount of gel pores are available inside the concrete. It is concluded that addition of polypropylene fibre with copper slag shows better results in durability characteristics compared to replacement of copper slag alone.