Abstract

In order to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the effects of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on the dynamic mechanical properties and mesoscopic damage mechanisms of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), a combined approach integrating material testing, microscopic characterization techniques, and theoretical analysis was adopted in this study. Two GGBFS replacement rates (0% and 35%) were considered. Uniaxial compression tests were performed to obtain data at different curing ages (T = 7 d, 28 d, 56 d, and 150 d) and strain rates (ε˙ = 10−5/s, 10−4/s, 10−3/s, and 10−2/s). The obtained data were complemented by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses to characterize the evolution of the microstructure and pore characteristics of the specimens. The findings demonstrated that prolonging the curing period continuously densified the microstructure of the specimens, resulting in a commensurate improvement in their initial macro-mechanical behavior. At curing ages exceeding 28 d, the secondary hydration reaction of GGBFS was found to generate additional C-S-H gel, which filled the internal microvoids within the specimens, reduced porosity, and further improved the initial macroscopic mechanical properties. Concurrently, the microstructural characteristics observed at different curing ages, in conjunction with the crack propagation and the fracture toughness effects associated with strain rate, further influenced the initiation, propagation patterns and paths of microcracks during uniaxial compression, as well as the adjustment of the effective stress framework. Furthermore, characteristic parameters describing the evolution of mesoscopic fracturing and yielding damage exhibited regular variations with curing age and strain rate. For specimens cured for 56 d, compared to those with a GGBFS replacement rate of 0%, specimens containing 35% GGBFS exhibited a 4.13% increase in peak stress and a 0.29% decrease in peak strain at ε˙ = 10−5/s. At a replacement rate of 35%, as the strain rate increased from ε˙ = 10−5/s to ε˙ = 10−2/s, the peak stress rose from −50.37 MPa to −60.74 MPa, whereas the peak strain dropped from −23.87 × 10−4 to −22.15 × 10−4. This study provides significant scientific evidence and a theoretical framework for the engineering application of GGBFS-modified RAC under varying strain rate conditions.

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