Abstract: For over six decades, the material and structure department of Changjiang (Yangtze) River Scientific Research Institute has carried out systematic research on the development and application of mineral admixtures for hydraulic concrete, and applied high-quality fly ash to the construction of Three Gorges Project at large scale for the first time. We studied the impacts of new mineral admixtures such as phosphorous slag powder, limestone powder, natural pozzolan, etc. on the performance of hydraulic concrete. Our laboratory established a series of technical standards as well as a corresponding application technology system. Parts of the research achievements have been successfully applied in large and medium-sized water conservancy and hydropower projects, and are regarded as major basis for the selection of hydraulic concrete mineral admixture. In this paper we briefly introduce the research contents including the classification of hydraulic concrete mineral admixtures, the hydration mechanism of different cementing systems, the impact on the performance of hydraulic concrete, the design of mix proportion, and the construction techniques. We further sort related research results in the aim of promoting the development and application of new mineral admixtures in water conservancy and hydropower projects, providing important theoretical support for the design of hydraulic concrete, and improving the dam construction technology and development of hydraulic materials in China.

Key words: mineral admixture, water conservancy and hydropower projects, hydraulic concrete, development and application, design of mix proportion