Experimental Investigation on Optimal Cement Utilization with Partial Replacement of Lime Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) & Ultrafine Mineral

Abstract

The construction industry's focus on sustainability has spurred interest in innovative materials like
Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) and ultrafine additives. LC3, a promising substitute for
traditional Portland cement, replaces a significant portion with calcined clay, offering economic
and environmental benefits. This study investigates the effects of LC3 and ultrafine additives in
M40-grade concrete across various specimen designations. Different blends, including varying
percentages of LC3 and ultrafine additives, were tested for durability at 7 and 28 days of curing.
Among the batches, Batch C, which contained 40% LC3 (comprising 10% limestone and 30%
calcined clay) and 10% ultrafine additives, demonstrated optimal performance, achieving
consistent 40 MPa strength at 28 days. These findings underscore the potential of tailored LC3
compositions, incorporating limestone, calcined clay, and ultrafine additives to enhance concrete
strength while delivering significant environmental advantages. This approach not only improves
material performance but also contributes to the sustainability goals of the construction industry.