Studies on high strength self-compacting concrete with copper slag

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the use of copper slag as a replacement of fine aggregate in High Strength Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). The ten series of tests, involving various copper slag proportions ranging from 0% to 100% were used to prepare SCC specimens. Test procedures selected to verify the characteristics of SCC in fresh state include Abrams slump flow, Lￚ Box, Uￚ tube and Vￚ funnel test. Properties of SCC in hardened state like density, compressive, flexural, split tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were studied. Test Results show an increase in workability, compressive and flexural strength with increase in copper slag percentage. Copper slag up to 30% replacement as fine aggregate resulted in an increase of 11% in compressive strength, 5% in flexural strength and 16% in split tensile strength when compared with that of control mix. The above strengths reduced on further additions of copper slag. Results indicate that copper slag can be effectively used as a fine aggregate replacement in producing sustainable durable self-compacting concrete.