Experimental investigation on fresh properties of concrete with magnesium silicate and copper slag

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a high-performance concrete capable of flowing under its own weight, achieving complete compaction without mechanical vibration. This study evaluates the influence of replacing 60% of natural sand with copper slag and 20% of cement with magnesium silicate (MS) on SCC mix design. These industrial by-products improve sustainability by conserving natural resources and enhancing workability. Workability tests showed superior performance: slump flow reached a maximum of 765 mm for MCS 6, while the T50 time was minimised to 3.53 s. Use of Conplast SP430 superplasticizer enhanced flowability and reduced water content without affecting stability. Polynomial regression models for 7- and 28-day compressive strength were developed using variables like fine aggregate, copper slag, coarse aggregate, cement and magnesium silicate. Advanced data analysis using Python and R, including heat maps and pair plots, identified strong material interactions and validated prediction models with high R2 values (0.97). Although SCC has been extensively studied, limited research explores the combined use of copper slag and magnesium silicate. Additionally, the impact of different superplasticizers such as CERAPLAST 300 and CONPLAST SP430 was assessed using comparative modelling in Python and R. The study confirms SCC with by-products as a viable, eco-friendly solution for sustainable construction.