Abstract

Copper slag is a by product of the copper smelting industry. We took granulated copper slag and milled it until it acquired characteristics similar to those of a fine aggregate, which was then incorporated into concrete, in combination with Bío-Bío river sand in proportions of 25%, 40% and 50% by volume of copper slag. We then examined the impact of the different combinations on the mechanical behaviour to flexotraction and compression in the resulting concrete. Our specification was to produce concrete for water-cement ratios of 0.45 and 0.52 associated to breakage resistances to flexotraction of 3.6 and 4.3 MPa, respectively. We measured workability of the fresh concrete, as well as density, and breaking load by flexotraction and compression in the hardened concrete, comparing results with a concrete control that did not contain smelting copper slag. Results indicate that the mixture's docility increases due to the smoother texture of the slag. Concrete density and hardened resistance to compression and flexotraction also increase, depending on the content of slag copper smelter used in the mix.