The effect of limestone powder on microstructure of concrete was studied by using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), backscattering scanning electron(BSE), scanning electron mi- croscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The experimental results show that the compressive strength of concrete containing 100 kg/m3 limestone powder can meet the strength re- quirement. Limestone powder has not pozzolanic activity; it is still unhydrated at the age of 28 days. But its filling effect can make the paste matrix and the interfacial transition zone between matrix and aggregate denser, which will improve the performance of concrete.
The effect of limestone powder and fly ash on magnesium sulfate resistance of mortar was studied by testing on the strength, expansion and hydration products of the specimens stored in MgSO4 solution at certain periods. The experimental results show that the strength of mortar stored in MgSO4 solution increases a little before 28 d, but decreases fast subsequently. The more the contents of limestone powder and fly ash, the less the strength losses. Mortar swells in the MgSO4 solution with the soaking time. And the more the contents of limestone powder and fly ash, the less the expansion rate is. The expansion or strength loss of mortars results from the expansion of gypsum, as well as the loss of Ca(OH)2 and other hydration products of cement. The magnesium sulfate resistance of the mortars containing limestone powder and fly ash is high.
