Development of limestone calcined clay cement composite from non-kaolinite clayey soil

Cement production is a major source of CO₂ emissions. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) is set to emerge as a novel and sustainable type of cement. This study examines locally available non-kaolinite clayey soil in two phases. In the first stage, the calcination temperature of the clayey soil, the ratio of cement replacement by calcined clay and limestone, and the ratio of calcined clay to limestone were optimised. The results were 650°C, 30%, and 3:1, respectively. The optimum combinations were augmented with polypropylene (PP) and carbon fibre (CF) at proportions of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% of the binder’s weight. The flowability of the fresh mortar was assessed. The mechanical parameters examined were compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength. The durability characteristics of fire resistance, water absorption, water sorptivity, and porosity were analysed. The findings indicate that 1% of PP and CF had optimal mechanical and durability qualities. Nonetheless, the augmentation of fibres regularly diminished flowability. This study illustrates the feasibility of utilising locally sourced clayey soil as a pozzolanic material for the production of LC3. Thus, LC3 demonstrates the potential for application as a structural material.