Utilization of ultra-fine dredged sand from the Yangtze River in alkali-activated slag/fly ash mortars: Mechanical properties, drying shrinkage and microstructure

The ultra-fine dredged sand (DS) from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River is a large amount of solid waste with the potential to be recycled and applied as a replacement for fine aggregate. This article discussed the utilization of dredged sand by producing alkali activated materials (AAMs). The chemical and physical characteristics of the DS were analyzed. The effect of the DS on durability and mechanical characteristics of the alkali activated slag/fly materials were studied with different precursor systems. From the results, it was found that the addition of DS improved the 28 d strength and even 56 d strength. The 25% DS content increased the compressive strength of both slag rich and fly ash (FA) rich AAMs by about 5%, and the microstructure showed a denser matrix at this content. However, excessive DS can cause a decrease in flowability, early compressive strength and a decline in the compactness of the matrix. Adding an appropriate amount of DS can control the drying shrinkage. The 25% DS content has an inhibitory effect on the shrinkage development of slag rich mortar, while the similar effect on FA rich mortar appears at a content of over 50%. The adoption of DS addition to produce AAMs improves the ecological benefits of concrete engineering projects on the Yangtze River coast.