Enhancing Geopolymer Concrete Performance Using Copper Slag as a Sustainable Fine Aggregate

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete (GPC), utilizing aluminosilicate precursor materials as binders, stands as an ecofriendly alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC). These precursors commonly include natural resources like metakaolin, volcanic ash, and industrial solid waste such as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). However, despite not utilizing cement, GPC still faces environmental challenges due to the use of natural aggregates, leading to resource depletion. To mitigate this issue, researchers have explored replacing natural aggregates with waste materials, aiding both resource conservation and waste management. Copper slag (CS) is one such waste material with potential as fine aggregate in GPC. This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of FA-GGBFS-based GPC incorporating CS as fine aggregate. It was found that, GPC exhibited superior performance compared to OPCC in various aspects, including strength properties (such as compressive, split tensile and flexural strength), transport properties (includes water absorption, permeable void and rapid chloride penetration test) and durability properties (like abrasion resistance and slake durability).