Influence of thermally treated flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum on performance of the slag powder concrete

Abstract

The feasibility of flue gas desulphurization (FGD) as concrete admixture was studied. A combined concrete admixture of the thermally-treated FGD gypsum and slag powder was explored. The FGD gypsum was roasted at 200 °C for 60 min and then mixed with the slag powder to form FGD gypsum-slag powder combined admixture in which the SO₃ content was 3.5wt%. Cement was partially and equivalently replaced by slag powder alone or FGD gypsum-slag powder, at concentration of 25wt%, 40wt%, and 50wt%, respectively. The setting times, hydration products, total porosity and pore size distributions of the paste were determined. The compressive strength and drying shrinkage of cement mortar and concrete were also tested. The experimental results show that, in the presence of FGD gypsum, the setting times are much slower than those of pastes in the absence of FGD gypsum. The combination of FGD gypsum and slag powder provides synergistic benefits above that of slag powder alone. The addition of FGD gypsum provides benefit by promoting ettringite formation and forms a compact microstructure, increasing the compressive strength and reduces the drying shrinkage of cement mortar and concrete.

Keywords

flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum / slag powder / compressive strength / drying shrinkage / mortar / concrete

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