Utilization of Copper Tailing in Developing Sustainable and Durable Concrete

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the strength, permeability, abrasion, carbonation, and shrinkage characteristics of concrete containing various percentages of copper tailing as partial replacement of natural fine aggregates. M 25 Grade concrete was designed as per specific national specifications. Copper tailing was used to replace natural sand in the range of 0–80%. It was observed that the copper-tailing concrete with up to 80% substitution exhibited a comparable compressive and flexural strength when compared to the control specimens. From the abrasion test, it was noted that the specimens could be implemented in general-purpose and heavy-duty floor tiles. The shrinkage strains, water permeability, and carbonation of copper-tailing concrete were observed to be increasing with increasing replacement amounts of copper tailing. The concrete containing copper tailing replacing up to 70% of natural fine aggregates could be recommended for all applications, and substitution levels beyond 70% could be recommended for nonstructural applications, pavements, etc.