Abstract:Compared with standard sand mortar, this paper studies the work and mechanical performance of coral sand mortar, and the effects of mineral admixtures on the coral mortar. Then SEM-EDS, XRD and FTIR were used to explore microscopic mechanism of coral mortar. The study shows that mechanical strength of the coral mortar is lower than it of the standard sand mortar, and the mineral admixture can improve the microstructure of cement mortar and interface transition area, also the mechanical strength of coral mortar can be improved, the 28 d compressive strength of it than standard mortar increased by 2%. The uneven surface of coral sand can form a tight meshing state with hardened cement mortar, which is helpful to improve the volume stability of mortar. The internal curing effect of coral sand improves the mechanical properties and resistance to shrinkage of the mortar. Furthermore, micro–aggregate filling effect and volcanic ash effect of fly ash and slag improve the mechanical properties and the ability to resist chloride ion diffusion of the coral mortar. The continuous release of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions from coral sand is involved in the hydration reaction of cement, which helps to generate more hydration products.