Use of Copper Slag as a Partial Replacement of Cement and Sand in Concrete
Keywords:
Copper Slag (CS), Fine Aggregate Replacement, Cement Replacement, Chemical Properties, Mechanical Properties, Durability, and Environmental ImplicationAbstract
The rapid growth of the construction industry has led to an increased demand for natural resources such as sand and cement. This has resulted in significant environmental degradation and the depletion of natural materials. Copper slag, an industrial by-product generated during the smelting and refining of copper, has emerged as a potential alternative material in concrete production. This review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the use of copper slag as a partial replacement of cement and fine aggregates (sand) in concrete. The study highlights its physical and chemical properties, mechanical performance, durability, and environmental implications. It concludes that the optimal replacement of fine aggregate as copper slag lies between 20-25% and cement lies between 7-10%, depending on mix design and performance requirements, resulting in improved strength and durability characteristics.
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