Blasted copper slag as artificial fines in ecofriendly concrete

Abstract

The present work assessed the feasibility of applying blasted copper slag (BCS) as addition to cementitious composites. Series with 0-15% of BCS were produced and characterized by compression strength, durability, spread and specific gravity. In fresh state, the workability was enhanced in until 250% when adding the slag. Besides, both mechanical strength and durability indicators of BCSR-added concrete were also improved. Although the greater strength at the ages of 7 and 28 days was achieved for the reference concrete, concretes containing 5% and 7.5% of BCSR also reached the expected resistance of 30 MPa at 28 days. Concretes containing 5% and 10% of the slag were the ones that less absorbed water. The reduction in capillary absorption reached 63% in comparison to the ref concrete for 5% BCSmodified concrete. The incorporation of BCS improved the performance of the reference concrete in terms of both mechanical strength and durability. So, the reuse of the BCS produced after abrasive blasting in concretes was viable and sustainable disposal alternative.