Characterization of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement Made with Calcium Sulfoaluminate Clinker

This study concentrated on producing limestone calcined clay calcium sulfoaluminate cement by replacing portland cement in limestone calcined clay cement with calcium sulfoaluminate cement, with the goal of increasing the early strength of limestone calcined clay cement. The mineralogy and microstructures of hydrating pastes were investigated using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Heat evolution was studied using isothermal calorimetry. Strength development and workability were assessed on mortar samples. The 1 day strengths of limestone calcined clay calcium sulfoaluminate cement samples exceeded those of limestone calcined clay cement by ~ 30–80%, though its strength gain slows significantly after 1 day due to the lack of calcium silicates, affecting pH and clay dissolution. Despite this, the strength development of limestone calcined clay calcium sulfoaluminate cement, when adjusted for CO₂ emissions, is comparable to limestone calcined clay cement. Additionally, limestone calcined clay calcium sulfoaluminate cement provides a 10–15% higher flow and exhibits a lower heat of hydration beyond 12 h, while maintaining a production cost similar to that of limestone calcined clay cement.