Performance Assessment of Type IL Cement in Concrete: Influence of Cement Source and Admixture Compatibility

Abstract This study evaluated the performance of concrete and mortar made with three portland limestone (Type IL) cement sources, collected from Texas, Colorado, and Florida, in combination with two types of chemical admixtures including water reducing and air entraining admixtures, obtained from two manufacturers. The testing program included scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, air content, slump, finishability, compressive strength, drying shrinkage, and surface and bulk resistivity. The strength development in mixtures made with IL cement was lower than that of I/II cement. Compressive strength results were influenced by IL cement fineness, cement oxide composition, and dosage of chemical admixtures. Early-age drying shrinkage in samples containing IL cement was higher than in those with cement I/II during the first 24 h, highlighting the need for effective curing practices in field applications. Drying shrinkage results showed that samples containing IL cement had lower shrinkage after 24 h than mixtures with I/II cement. Surface and bulk resistivity tests revealed that concrete samples containing IL cement achieved up to 35% higher surface and bulk resistivity than concrete made with I/II cement, indicating improved durability potential.