Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Construction and Building Materials, cilt.463, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Understanding the variability in raw materials for limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) is crucial for developing standardized protocols and optimizing production for reliable performance. Türkiye, Europe's largest cement producer, has yet to see research focused on LC3 development using local resources. This study, for the first time, focuses on developing LC3 and mortars based on Turkish clays, aiming to address the challenges posed by the geographical variability of raw materials in LC3 research. To improve the sustainability credentials of LC3, abundant low-grade/waste clays from mine tailings (MT) and construction and demolition waste (CDW) were extensively investigated in paste and mortar forms. Each clay was individually analyzed for chemical composition, mineralogy, and physical characteristics through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), wet method, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and particle size distribution (PSD). Based on the hardness of the raw materials, bulk low-grade/waste-based clays, limestone, and gypsum were hybrid ground to improve particle size distribution and material homogeneity. The viscosity and plasticity of clays from MT and CDW were compared, considering their impact on grindability, consistency and flowability. The consistency, setting time, flowability, and compressive strength of LC3 mixtures were benchmarked against traditional CEM I cement pastes and mortars, as well as LC3 specimens made with high-grade refined kaolin. Life cycle analysis (LCA) was performed to quantify environmental impacts. Each LC3 mixture having low-grade/waste clays met the standards for consistency, setting time, and strength activity index. The results highlight the potential for broader use of low-grade calcined clays and CDW from Türkiye as practical, sustainable, and competitive alternatives to traditional Portland cement/mortar, significantly reducing the environmental impact.