Comparative investigation on mechanical and durability performance of LC3-based composite

Environmental concerns of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) promote the advancement of alternatives. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) is expected to emerge as a novel and sustainable type of cement. This study examines locally available non-kaolinite clayey soil in two phases. Initially, the calcination temperature, the proportion of calcined clay of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of OPC weight, and the ratio of calcined clay to limestone powder (CC:SL) 1:0, 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 were examined. The outcomes were 700°C, 40%, and 2:1, respectively. The best combinations were augmented with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and carbon fibre (CF) at proportions of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% of the binder’s weight. The flowability of the fresh composite was assessed. The mechanical parameters were examined, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength. The durability characteristics of fire resistance, water absorption, water sorptivity, and porosity were studied. According to the results, 1.5% and 1% of the PET and CF fibre contents showed the best mechanical and durability properties. Nevertheless, 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.