Hydration and microstructure of ternary high-ferrite Portland cement blends incorporating a large amount of limestone powder and fly ash

•The hydration and microstructure of ternary HFC blends incorporated a large amount of FA and LP were revealed.•The synergistic effects between FA and LP in ternary HFC blends exhibit improving flexural strengths, decreasing drying shrinkage and cumulative heat.•The adverse effects between FA and LP in ternary HFC blends mainly exhibits decreasing compressive strengths and increasing total porosity percentages.•The synergistic effects between FA and LP in ternary HFC blends are mainly occurred at a later age.