To Study the Properties of Concrete by Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate by Copper Slag

Abstract

Due to higher no of growing industries in India, the production of goods has also increased. But at the same time the waste coming out of these industries has also been increased. And proper disposal of such waste materials has become a major problem. If these materials are not treated or disposed properly, these will be in the environment for a long time and will harm the environment. Copper slag is one of the waste materials which can be used in the construction, as partial or full replacement of fine aggregate. This paper presents the various tests performed on the copper slag as partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete. M30 grade concrete was used and various tests like compressive, flexural, split tensile strength were conducted for different proportions of copper slag and sand from 0 to 50%. Copper slag is a by-product obtained during matte smelting and refining of copper. The common management options for copper slag are recycling, recovering of metal, production of value added products such as abrasive tools, roofing granules, cutting tools, abrasive, tiles, glass, road-base construction, railroad ballast, asphalt pavements. Despite increasing rate of reusing copper slag, the huge amount of its annual production is disposed in dumps or stockpiles to date. One of the greatest potential applications for reusing copper slag is in cement and concrete production. Many researchers have investigated the use of copper slag in the production of cement, mortar and concrete as raw materials for clinker, cement replacement, coarse and fine aggregates. The use of copper slag in cement and concrete provides potential environmental as well as economic benefits for all related industries, particularly in areas where a considerable amount of copper slag is produced. This paper reviews the characteristics of copper slag and its effects on the engineering properties of cement, mortars and concrete.