Mechanical Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composite Incorporating High-Volumes of Copper Slag

Abstract

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) containing high volumes of copper slag (HVCS) as a partial replacement of Portland cement (PC) of different replacement levels (0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2) by weight of cement, incorporating with silica fume (ECC-SF) or with carbon black (ECC- CB) powders have been studied. Physical properties (bulk density, water absorption, and ultrasonic pulse velocity [UPV]), furthermore, mechanical properties (splitting tensile strength and compressive strength), were measured at different curing ages (7, 28, and 90) days. For comparison control mixture was produced, which was free from any mineral additives. The results are given, when utilizing copper slag (CS) as a replacement material of Portland cement in cement mortar with appropriate proportion (0.8), can achieve good sustainability material and gain the consistency and mechanical strength of ECC. While, when the replacement ratio was increased up to (2.0), the (ECC) mortar becomes heterogeneous and crumbles, leading to poor mechanical and durable properties of mortar. Utilizing CS as cement replacement in mortars at the appropriate level, leading to decreased PC consumption and providing economic and friendly environmental advantages.