An overview of the critical influential parameters on the performance of limestone calcined clay cement paste, mortar, and concrete

Limited in-depth literature reviews have been conducted on the history, synthesis, hydration kinetics, and carbon footprint of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). 3 ). This review paper extensively surveys, for the first time, the impact of various critical parameters on the performance of LC3 3 paste, mortar, and concrete. BFBF These parameters include the role of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)-based wastes as an alternative to calcined clay (CC), the addition of nanomaterials, alkali-activator content, and sulfation, the addition of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) seeds, curing temperature, and the reactivity and content of CC. The study found that incorporating SCMs-based wastes reduced the demand for superplasticizer, improved workability, and mitigated the CO2 2 emissions of LC3. 3 . While nanosilica and alkali-activator based on alkali sulfate salts accelerated the early hydration rate of LC3, 3 , they slowed down its later hydration rate. Nano halloysite and zeolitic imidazolate improved the early and later strength despite decreasing the flowability of LC3. 3 . Incorporating C-S-H seeds, increasing curing temperature, and increasing CC reactivity improved the hydration rate of LC3, 3 , reduced pore volume, and enhanced electrical resistivity. The use of blast-furnace slag (BFS) as a partial alternative source to CC is recommended, as it reduces the demand for superplasticizer, improves workability, increases both early and later compressive strength and durability, and reduces processing costs and carbon footprint. Overall, LC3 with different OPC replacement materials presents a sustainable and high-performance substitute for OPC, effectively decreasing the environmental impact of cement production by reducing its carbon footprint