Performance of alkali activated slag concrete mixes incorporating copper slag as fine aggregate

In this present study, copper slag (CS) is proposed as an alternative to river sand as fine aggregate in alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) mixes. The relative performance of alkali activated slag concrete mixes with CS as fine aggregate is compared to conventional Ordinary Portland Cement concrete (OPCC) mix in terms of their workability, strength and durability parameters. The results indicate that, AASC mixes with CS, as a replacement to sand upto 100% (by volume), show no marked loss in strength characteristics. AASC mixes with either sand or CS possess similar modulus of elasticity, lower total porosity, lesser water absorption and reduced chloride ion penetration as compared to OPCC. Strength-retention characteristics of AASC mixes with sand/CS on exposure to sulphate and acid-rich environment are also studied. Use of AASC mixes for structural application reduces carbon footprint, decreases water consumption and cost. Use of CS as fine aggregate reduces river sand consumption as an added benefit.