Abstract
While Portland cement produces large amounts of carbon dioxide, low-calcium high-strength cements effectively reduce carbon emissions by decreasing the proportion of high-calcium minerals. In order to enhance the practical application value of low-calcium high-strength cement, the effects of mineral admixtures on the chloride binding capacity and pore structure characteristics of low-calcium high-strength cement pastes were investigated by equilibrium method and mercury intrusion method. The results showed that the chloride binding capacity of low-calcium high-strength cement pastes is superior to that of Portland cement. Fly ash and slag enhance this capacity by promoting monosulfoaluminate and C-S-H gel formation, with fly ash being more effective. Ground limestone also boosts chloride binding when incorporated at less than 10 wt%. However, sulfates have a more significant negative impact on chloride binding capacity in low-calcium high-strength cement pastes compared to Portland cement. The porosity of low-calcium high-strength cement pastes exhibits contrasting trends with the addition of fly ash, ground limestone, and slag. Fly ash and limestone initially coarsen the pore structure but later facilitate the transition of larger pores to smaller ones. In contrast, slag initially has little impact but later promotes the conversion of large capillary pores to medium ones, optimizing the pore structure. Notably, above 10 wt% fly ash, the critical pore diameter decreases with additional fly ash except at 10% where it increases for 3 days. Ground limestone enlarges the critical pore diameter, and this effect intensifies with higher content. During early hydration, slag decreases the critical pore diameter, but its impact diminishes in later stages.