Mechanical properties of copper slag reinforced concrete under dynamic compression

The dynamic mechanical properties of copper slag reinforced concrete (CSRC) were studied using a 50-mm-diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system. The microstructures of control concrete and CSRC with various contents of copper slag as replacement of sand were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The dynamic compressive strength of CSRC was generally improved with substitutional amounts of copper slag up to 20%, compared with the control concrete, beyond which the strength reduced. With the increasing content of copper slag as replacement of sand, there appeared to be higher content of voids, microcracks and capillary channels in CSRC than that in control concrete, which was mainly attributed to the presence of excess water and it resulted in deterioration of concrete quality.