Utilization of Copper Slag as a Reinforcing Material

Sivapriya S.V; VinothKumar S; Nagarajan V

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25-Feb-26

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Utilization of Copper Slag as a Reinforcing Material

Author(s):

Sivapriya S.V , SSN College of Engineering; VinothKumar S, Indian Railways, Tamil Nadu; Nagarajan V, Jansons Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu

Keywords:

CS, Dry unit weight, angle of internal friction, Slope stabilization

Abstract:

Due to rapid development in infra-structure, there is a scarcity of valuable land for construction. There is a shortage in firm land for further construction activity. Hence, construction activity is forced to take place in poor grounded soil. To make the soil stable, stabilization of weak grounded soil is required. Copper Slag (CS) is one of the waste materials that are being used extensively in the civil engineering construction industry. Copper producing units in India leave thousands of tonnes of copper slag as waste every day. Based on U.S. environmental protection agency regulations, governing solid waste characteristics, copper slag can be classified as a non-hazardous material. Granulated copper slag is more porous and therefore, has particle size equal to that of coarse sand. The central pollution control board (CPCB) has recommended usage of copper slag in cement manufacturing process as well as in landfill application. The reuse of waste material is an “STATE – OF – ART”. In view to it, CS is used as a replacement material in stabilizing the soil. To study the influence of CS in shear strength property of soil, laboratory tests were conducted. The physical and geotechnical properties were compared with those of conventional fill materials such as sands. Different percentage of CS is added (0, 10, 20 and 30%) by weight to the soil and their corresponding unit weight and angle of internal friction was found. The obtained values are taken as input parameters to find the stability of slope using Finite Element Analysis. There is linear increase in maximum dry unit weight and angle of internal friction of the soil with increase in replacement of CS till 30%. At 30% replacement of CS with the sand shows significant increase in factor of safety of an unstable slope.