A comprehensive review of salt-contaminated sand and mineral admixture–modified Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC): Properties and application potential in transportation infrastructure construction

Abstract

This paper summarizes and analyzes previous studies related to salt-contaminated sand, mineral additives (fly ash [FA] and ground granulated blast-furnace slag [GGBFS]), and their potential combinations in the production of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) for transport infrastructure components. Salt-contaminated sand in Vietnam has large reserves, low SO₃ content, and relatively fine particle size, and contains Cl⁻ ions that can have adverse effects if not properly controlled. Mineral additives (FA and GGBFS) are rich in Al₂O₃, which can promote pozzolanic reactions, forming stable products such as Friedel's salt and C–S–H gel, thereby significantly improving both the mechanical strength and durability of ECC. The combination of salt-contaminated sand and mineral additives is noted to be able to improve compressive, tensile and flexural strengths; reduce drying shrinkage; increase fatigue resistance; and enhance self-healing and anti-erosion in chloride and sulfate-containing environments. The results show that the ECC system using salt-contaminated sand combined with mineral additives is a potential solution for construction materials for transport infrastructure in the context of shortage of natural sand resources and requirements for sustainable development.