Properties of concrete containing copper slag waste

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of using copper slag wastes as a supplementary cementitious material on mechanical properties and durability aspects of concrete are studied. To this aim, mixtures are made by employing 5, 10 and 15% copper slag as cement replacement and the strength properties, water penetration, chloride ion permeability, sulfate expansions and alkali–silica reaction are investigated. The results indicate that using copper slag waste decreases mechanical stresses and in turn expansion during exposure in sulfate solution. Additionally, copper slag reduces expansion induced by alkali–silica reactions. These durability improvements are accompanied by an appropriate effect on penetration, with only a minor decrease in mechanical properties.