Utilization of copper slag in developing slag-based Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

The incorporation of copper slag in geopolymer concrete will improve its mechanical properties. This study aims to research the influence of copper slag on making Ultra-High Performance concrete. The increase in copper slag made the concrete denser and more integral. The utilization of fine copper slag as aggregate and GGBS as a binder improves the compressive strength. Various curing regimes were experimented with, out of which the ambient-cured specimen showed better performance than steam curing, heat curing, conventional water curing, and boiling water curing methods. With the replacement of copper slag, the specimens’ water absorption and porosity decreased by as much as $\mathbf{4 0 \%}$. The porosity of the composites increases as copper slag content rises, increasing moisture infiltration. In developing the affordable and sustainable UHPC mix, the incorporation of copper slag as aggregate and utilizing GGBS as binder gave promising results. This initial study, by accessing the compressive strength of the slag-based UHPGC, would shed some light on manufacturing industry-ready high-performance concrete using industrial by products.