High level clinker replacement in ternary limestone-calcined clay-clinker cement

Abstract

Cements with 50 % clinker contents were produced in a pilot scale using low grade crushed limestone and low grade calcined clays. The clays were calcined in a static pottery unit and blending was carried out at a grinding unit in West Bengal. A total of 40 tonnes of 4 blends of the cement were produced and tests were carried out in the laboratory. The results show that despite the production being carried out by untrained personnel and the low clinker factor, relatively high strengths were obtained from the cements. Results show that it is possible to improve the economy and eco-friendliness of concrete production through the use of these new blended cements. Thecement also holds the promise to improve the life of limestone quarries through the utilisation of material that was earlier discarded.