Effect of Copper Slag as a Fine Aggregate on the Durability Characteristics of High-Performance Concrete (HPC) Containing Silica Fume

Abstract

This paper investigates the fresh and durability properties of the high-performance concrete by replacing cement with 15% Silica fume and simultaneously replacing fine aggregates with 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% copper slag at w/b ratio of 0.23. Five mixes were analysed and compared with the standard concrete mix. Fresh properties show an increase in the slump with the increase in the quantity of copper slag to the mix. Sorptivity, chloride penetration, UPV and carbonation results were very encouraging at 50% copper slag replacement levels. Microstructure analysis of these mixes shows the emergence of C-S-H gel for nearly all mixes indicating densification of the interfacial transition zone of the concrete.