Study on Durability Properties of Sustainable Alternatives for Natural Fine Aggregate

Abstract

The present work focused on the durability performance of copper slag (CS) and processed granulated blast furnace slag (PGBS) as a partial replacement (0% to 50%) for natural fine aggregate (NFA) in concrete, cured for 365 days. This work was carried out to determine the ingression of chloride, sulphate, and sodium ions. Compressive strength test and splitting tensile test conducted for the specimens showed that PGBS concrete attained higher strength followed by CS concrete when compared to conventional concrete. The ingression of chloride and sulphate ions decreased in both CS and PGBS concrete after 90 days of curing. Sodium ions ingression also decreased after 180 days of curing. Microstructure studies were carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM) which showed the dense formation of C–S–H gel in the matrix and high amount of Ca and Si ions in CS and PGBS concrete was observed using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The basic properties like particle size and water absorption of CS and PGBS aggregates have majorly contributed in the reduction in voids in concrete. PGBS concrete has found to be an effective alternative in terms of performance, cost, availability, and environmentally friendly when compared to already exiting CS aggregates and NFA. © 2021, The Institution of Engineers (India).