Influence of carbonate sources and clinker fineness on performance of limestone calcined clay cement at different temperatures

This study focuses on understanding the performance of LC3 at 27 °C and 50 °C. The roles of two parameters, namely the carbonate source and clinker fineness, were investigated. The effect of carbonate sources on the temperature sensitivity of LC3 was investigated by adding limestone, dolomite, and marble dust to produce blends with commercial cement. Cements with varying fineness were produced in the laboratory by grinding clinker to study the effect of clinker fineness on the temperature sensitivity. The presence of calcined clay inhibits the later-age clinker hydration and strength development in LC3 cured at 50 °C. Alternative carbonate sources did not improve the performance of LC3 at higher temperatures. However, the sensitivity of strength development in LC3 to temperature was observed to decrease with clinkers having higher fineness. An increase in the degree of hydration of clinker phases and compressive strength was observed in the LC3 with higher clinker fineness.