A study on properties and effects of copper slag and marble dust in concrete

Abstract

Marble dust is the by-product from marble cutting method. The aim of this paper is to seek out the possibility of using marble dust along with the copper slag as a partial replacement to fine aggregate in concrete. Marble dust was employed in mixes containing copper slag as partial substitute to sand in quantities starting from 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50%. The hardened properties of concrete were checked for 7, 28, 56 and 112 days. Results show that up to 60% replacement of marble dust and copper slag to fine aggregate, there is an increase in compressive strength. Also, split tensile strength, flexure, density and modulus of elasticity show an increase in strength at 60% replacement. Permeability, on the other hand, goes on decreasing up to 60% replacement and increases beyond 60% replacement of marble dust and copper slag. These findings of the analysis state that marble dust will be used as the possible replacement material to sand to provide high strength copper slag concrete.