Effect of copper slag on mechanical and durability aspects for different strength concretes

In the present study, the effect of copper slag on mechanical properties and durability aspects for Normal Strength Concrete [NSC], High Strength Concrete [HSC] and Ultra-High Strength Concrete [UHSC] mixes have been investigated. Copper slag, which is the by-product discharged from the copper manufacturing industry is replaced by fine aggregate in different proportions. It is observed from the studies that compressive strength has been significantly improved up to 60% replacement of fine aggregate by copper slag for all the mixes. Further, it is noted that even with 100% replace ment of fine aggregate by copper slag, the compressive strength is higher than for the control mix. Durability studies such as rapid chloride penetration test, water sorptivity test and water absorption test showed significant resistance to chloride penetration, sorptivity and water absorption. The reason for significant improvement in compressive strength and durability aspects could be attributed to both pozzolanic activity and filler effect over the cementitious matrix effectively.