A state-of-the-art review of research on the use of calcined bauxite aggregate in civil engineering

Calcined bauxite (CB) aggregate is characterized by high strength, hardness, and high abrasion resistance. It has promising application value in the field of civil engineering with special functional needs. This study describes in detail the macroscopic and microscopic properties of CB aggregates, analyzes and summarizes the current research status of CB aggregates in many aspects: 1) review the technique related to the manufacture of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) with CB aggregate, and systematically explain its mechanism in affecting the mechanical properties of UHPC; 2) clarify the potential and advantage of CB aggregates as internal curing agents, and elaborate the shrinkage reduction mechanism and the influence law when used in UHPC; 3) summarize the evaluation index system of CB aggregate in abrasion and skid resistance of pavement materials, as well as introduce related research and engineering applications of high friction surface treatment; 4) discuss the advantages of CB aggregate in preparation of high-impact resistant cementitious materials and its influence mechanism. Finally, this study analyzes the characteristics and problems of applications of CB aggregate in different civil engineering fields and puts forward suggestions related to the follow-up research, which can help to promote CB aggregate from material research to engineering application and provide new ideas for related materials and engineering design. [Display omitted] •UHPC with CB aggregate has much enhanced mechanical properties than normal UHPC.•CB aggregate can be internal curing agent and significantly reduce UHPC shrinkage.•CB aggregate is satisfactory for high abrasion and skid resistant pavement layer.•Using CB aggregate in cement composites can effectively improve impact resistance.