Articles
  • Synergistic design and hydration mechanism of seawater-resistant low-heat cement using industrial byproducts​
  • Peng-fei Zhaoa, Hai-tao Wanga,*, Eng-dongHuab and De-zhi Wangb

  • aSchool of Traffic Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116000, China
    bDalian Product Quality Inspection and Research Institute Co. Ltd., Dalian 116000, China

  • This article is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

This study presents a seawater-resistant low-heat cement (SRLHC) synthesized from industrial byproducts, where blast furnace slag (73.3%) and fly ash (15%) were synergistically activated by a tailored silicate cement clinker-gypsum-sodium sulfate system (1%-4%-6.7%). Through D-optimal mixture design and seawater curing experiments, regression models correlating component ratios with compressive strength were established, yielding optimal 3-day and 28-day strengths of ​​27.3 MPa​​ and ​​53.5 MPa​​, respectively. Microstructural characterization revealed a dual-phase hydration mechanism: 1) Initial hydration: Sodium sulfate reacted with clinker-derived Ca(OH)2, generating an alkaline environment. This accelerated vitreous phase dissolution and led to the formation of ettringite (Aft) rods and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gels, which filled pores without expansive stress. 2) ​​Long-term curing​​: Seawater-introduced [SO4]2- reacted with residual Ca2+ to produce gypsum dihydrate, while continuous slag dissolution enhanced C-S-H gel formation, further densifying the matrix. Compared to conventional P·O 42.5 cement, SRLHC exhibited ​​40-47% higher strength​​ and ​​105.4% seawater corrosion resistance​​, attributed to the synergistic interplay of Aft and C-S-H. This work provides a sustainable strategy for marine infrastructure by valorizing industrial solid wastes while addressing durability challenges in saline environments.


Keywords: Industrial solid waste, Optimal ratio, Heat of hydration, Seawater erosion resistance, Microstructure.

This Article

  • 2025; 26(4): 573-585

    Published on Aug 31, 2025

  • 10.36410/jcpr.2025.26.4.573
  • Received on May 7, 2025
  • Revised on Jul 23, 2025
  • Accepted on Jul 24, 2025

Correspondence to

  • Hai-tao Wang
  • School of Traffic Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116000, China
    Tel : +8615998581208

  • E-mail: 2849881024@qq.com