Assessment of physical and mechanical properties and durability of concrete with partial replacement of fine copper slag aggregate

Copper slag is a byproduct of copper and ore smelting. The present study examines the possibility of incorporating copper slag into production cycle of building materials. The main focus is on assessing the influence of this component on physical and mechanical properties of concrete. The experimental investigation was based on modifying concrete composition of class B22.5 by replacing natural sand with copper slag in various mass fractions ranging from 0 % to 100 % in increments of 20 %. Quality characteristics of the obtained specimens were determined through tests for compression, bending, and splitting tensile strength. The results of this study confirm technical efficiency and feasibility of using copper slag as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete of class B22.5, which enhances strength properties of material and addresses the issue of industrial waste utilization.