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.
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.
2025; 26(4): 573-585
Published on Aug 31, 2025
School of Traffic Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116000, China
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