Strength Development and Pore Structure of Alkali-Activated Slag Cement in Bittern Environment

Abstract

The effect of bittern on alkali-activated slag (AAS) cement and OPC was studied by testing on the strength and pore structure of the specimens stored in artificial bittern solution at certain periods. The experimental results show that the (AAS) cement exhibits excellent resistance to chemical attack of bittern. The significant increase of strength of (AAS) mortar stored in bittern solution was observed with the soaking time, and the strength increases very quickly before 27 d. But the strength of OPC decreases fast after17d. The more the contents of NaOH activator in AAS cement, the more the strength gained. And the more the contents of activator, the less porosity is. Curing the AAS cement in bittern environment leads to a reduction in the total pore volume and to a refinement of the pore structures.