Natural zeolite as environmentally friendly supplementary cementitious material in concrete

Abstract

Selected mechanical, thermal, hygric, and durability properties of several concrete mixes containing natural zeolite as partial replacement of Portland cement are studied and compared with reference concrete. Experimental results show that natural zeolite has a potential to replace a part of Portland cement in concrete in the building industry. However, it is shown that although from both environmental and economical points of view it would be desirable to use its highest possible amounts in concrete production, the extent of Portland cement replacement which could be chosen in preparation of concrete mixes has relatively strict limitations. Concrete with the replacement of Portland cement by natural zeolite in the amount of 20% by mass is found to be the most suitable solution among the analyzed mixes. © 2012 WIT Press.