Effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag on hydration characteristics of ferrite-rich calcium sulfoaluminate cement in seawater

Abstract

Ferrite-rich calcium sulfoaluminate (FCSA) cement is often used in special projects such as marine engineering due to its excellent resistance of seawater attack although the cost is a little high. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), a byproduct of industrial production, is used as a mineral admixture to reduce concrete costs and provide excellent performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of GGBS on the hydration properties of FCSA cement in seawater. Tests were conducted on heat of hydration, compressive strength, mass change, and pH value of pore solution of FCSA cement paste with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.45. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and thermogravimetric analysis were used to determine the hydration products, while mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was used to measure pore structure. The results indicated that the FCSA cement hydration showed a concentrated heat release at early age. The compressive strength of specimens consistently increased over time, where seawater curing enhanced the compressive strength of control samples. The pH value of pore solution decreased to 10.7–10.9 at 90 d when cured in seawater. The primary hydration products of FCSA cement included ettringite, iron hydroxide gel (FH₃), and aluminum hydroxide gel (AH₃). Moreover, when cured in seawater, Friedel’s salt was formed, which enhanced the compressive strength of the specimen and increased its coefficient of corrosion. Seawater curing gradually increased sample mass, and GGBS refined pore structure while reducing harmful pore proportions. These results suggest that while GGBS can refine pore structure and improve certain aspects of performance, its inclusion may also reduce compressive strength, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in its use for marine applications.

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