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Environmental and Mechanical Performance of Green Concrete Utilizing Coarse Copper Slag Aggregate
Sandra Guševac1, Vesna Marjanović1, Olivera Đokić2
1Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor, Alberta Ajnštajna 1, 19210 Bor, Serbia.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Copper slag aggregates (CSAs) can replace natural river aggregates in concrete, enhancing compressive strength. Controlled replacement levels, up to 20%, ensure environmental safety and sustainable construction materials for drainage infrastructure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Natural river aggregates (RAs) are finite resources, driving the search for sustainable alternatives in concrete production.
- Copper slag aggregates (CSAs) present a potential waste material for use as a partial or full replacement for RAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the environmental viability and structural performance of concrete utilizing copper slag aggregates (CSAs).
- To determine optimal CSA content for structural applications and assess its environmental impact.
Main Methods:
- Concrete mixtures were prepared with varying replacement levels of RAs by coarse copper slag aggregate (CCA).
- Compressive strength, water penetration depth, petrographic analysis, SEM microstructural analysis, and leaching tests (NEN 7375) were conducted.
Main Results:
- Incorporating CCA increased concrete compressive strength, meeting C25/30 requirements.
- Water penetration depth increased significantly (up to 22%), while SEM showed improved interfacial transition zones.
- Leaching tests confirmed heavy metal immobilization at up to 20% CSA replacement, meeting environmental standards.
Conclusions:
- Controlled replacement of RAs with CSA, particularly up to 20%, offers a sustainable and high-quality alternative for construction materials.
- The 20% CSA mixture demonstrates favorable environmental stability with low contaminant release potential, suitable for drainage infrastructure.
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