Assessment of the Sulfate Resistance Characteristics of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement Subjected to the Immersion in Seawater

Abstract The principal objective of the present study is to synthesize limestone calcined clay cement employing various types of clay and to investigate their durability in seawater environments for duration of six months. The raw materials utilized comprise limestone, calcined clay, clinker, and gypsum. The used calcined clay [Kafr Homaid, Bentonite, and Kaolinite] were all subjected to firing at 850 °C for two hours with a heating rate of 5 °C/min. These were incorporated in varying proportions ranging from 30 to 45%, while limestone was included in quantities from 0 to 15%. The immersion in sulfate-laden seawater over the six-month period was meticulously quantified. The assessment of the performance of the synthesized limestone calcined clay cement in sulfate attack conditions was through a range of analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, compressive strength evaluations, as well as scanning electron microscopy for the samples immersed in solution.