Effect of Red Mud on Mechanical Properties of Loess–Containing Aluminosilicate Based Cementitious Materials

The effect of the thermal treated red mud on mechanical properties of loess –containing aluminosilicate based cementitious materials is investigated. And the characteristic of hydration production is tested using XRD, SEM and EDAX methods. The results show that the thermal treated red mud not only has excellent cementitious properties but also can improve the mechanical properties of loess –containing aluminosilicate based cementitious materials. Moreover when the content of red mud is 5%, the improved effect is optimal. On the one hand, the alkaline ingredients of red mud can promote abundant ettringites to produce at early ages. And the ettringites contribute to early strength of the cementitious material. On the other hand, the content of red mud is too high to improve the long-term strength.