Study on the basic performance of basic magnesium sulfate cement concrete

The influence of multiple factors – namely, cement type, cement strength grade, cement content and water–binder ratio – on the basic performance, including the slump and early compressive strength, of basic magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) cement (BMSC) concrete was researched. In addition, multiple non-linear regression models of the basic performance of BMSC considering the raw materials and mix proportions were proposed. The results show that when the apparent density and water–binder ratios of BMSC were constant, the slump of BMSC increased and the early compressive strength decreased with the increase in the cement content. With the increase in the water–binder ratio, the slump of BMSC increased gradually and the early compressive strength decreased gradually. With the increase in the cement strength grade, the slump and early compressive strength values of BMSC all increased. The slump and standard cube compressive strengths of BMSC had a multiple non-linear power function relationship with the cement strength grade, cement content and water–binder ratio. When the cement content of BMSC was 530 kg/m³, the standard cube compressive strength grade of BMSC that was mixed with fly ash reached 82.7 MPa, and the standard cube compressive strength grade of BMSC that was mixed with slag reached 70.5 MPa.