Performance of Copper slag and ferrous slag as partial replacement of sand in Concrete

The development of construction materials have posed problems and challenge that initiated worldwide research programs and continued conventional and non conventional applications leading to ultimate economy. Researchers developed waste management strategies to apply for advantages for specific needs. The use of Copper Slag (CS) and Ferrous Slag (FS) in concrete provides environmental as well as economic benefits for all related industries, particularly in areas where a considerable amount of CS and FS is produced. Owing to the scarcity of fine aggregate for the preparation of mortar and concrete, partial replacement of CS and FS with sand have been attempted. CS and FS are by-products obtained during matte smelting and refining of CS and FS.This work reports an experimental procedure to investigate the effect of using CS and FS as partial replacement of sand. The strength characteristics of conventional concrete and slag concrete such as compressive strength, tensile strength were found.Six series of concrete mixtures were prepared with different proportions of CS and FS ranging from 0% to 100%. The test results of concrete were obtained by adding CS and FS to sand in various percentages ranging from 0%, 20%. 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. All specimens were cured for 7, 28, 60 & 90 days before compression strength test and splitting tensile test. The results indicate that workability increases with increase in CS and FS percentage. The highest compressive strength obtained was 46MPa (for 100% replacement) and the corresponding strength for control mix was 30MPa. The integrated approach of working on safe disposal and utilization can lead to advantageous effects on the ecology and environmental also. It has been observed that upto 80% replacement, CS and FS can be effectively used as replacement for fine aggregate. Further research work is needed to explore the effect of CS+FS as fine aggregates on the durability properties of concrete.