Effect of Replacing Cement with Factory Waste (Steel, Aluminum and Copper) on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

Abstract

The steel, aluminum and copper waste from the factories has a negative effect on the environment. This study investigates the possible reuse of steel, aluminum and copper waste as a supplementary cementitious material and its effect on concrete properties. This paper proposes a model for the prediction of the compressive strength of cement concrete and mortar as the cement was replaced with steel, aluminum and copper waste with the following by weight percentages: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%.The tests performed in this paper are conducted to the following samples: (50 * 50 * 50 mm) mortar samples, (150 * 150 * 150 mm) concrete cubes, and (150 * 300 mm) concrete cylinders. Tests are performed at the periods of 7 and 28 days. The results show that the use of steel waste (Fe15%) increased compressive strength of concrete by 18.5% and copper waste by (Cu15%) increased it by 15.77%, aluminum (Al15%) increased it by 12.95% and steel waste (Fe15%) increases compressive strength of cement mortar by 9.55% as compared to pure mixing. Consequently, adding steel waste to concrete gives it a compressive strength of more than the double of its original strength.