Carbonation Resistance of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Copper Slag as Fine Aggregates

Abstract

The aim of present investigation is to evaluate the carbonation resistance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing copper slag (CS) as fine aggregates. A total of 18 mixes were prepared, which were divided in to three series, namely CS-based mixes (Series 1), CS-based mixes with silica fume (Series 2), and CS-based mixes with metakaolin (Series 3). Compressive strength was assessed at the curing age of 7, 28, 56, 90, and 120 days, whereas accelerated carbonation was carried out for CO2 attack duration of 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after curing period of 28 and 120 days. The results of compressive strength revealed that Series 3 performed better among three series. Carbonation depth decreased with increase in the content of CS substitution for each series. Among three series, minimum carbonation depth was noticed for Series 3 followed by Series 2 and Series 1. This study evinces that CS can be utilized as fine aggregate with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in the construction sector to bestow better resistance to the carbonation.