Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Concrete by Replacing High Volumes of Cement with Limestone Powder

Cement production is associated with high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Portland-limestone cement (PLC) decreases the carbon footprint of concrete by reducing the cement content of the concrete. In this study, an experiment was conducted in which concrete cylinders with 0%, 15%, 30%, 50%, and 70% cement replacement with limestone powder were tested in compression and tension. Concrete mixtures containing 30% limestone replacement had similar strengths as those using ordinary portland cement and PLC with 15% limestone replacement. Limestone contents of 50% and 70% in cement experienced decreases in concrete strength.