CHAPTER

1
INTRODUCTION
General 1.1:

Although Portland cement concrete is extremely resilient in its natural environment, it is

occasionally utilized in places where it is subjected to elements that can damage and
erode it. This paper offers instructions for defensive treatments and examines the benefits
of various chemicals on concrete. Using high-quality concrete with the highest possible
chemical resistance is the first line of defense against chemical attack. Defensive
treatments are used in harsh environments to improve the chemical resistance of the
concrete face or prevent sharp objects from penetrating the concrete. Defensive face
treatments aren't perfect; they might break down or sustain damage during or after
construction, therefore the concrete's ability to withstand chemicals will determine how
long the element remains continuous. Appropriate preservation, such as— including
regularly listed cleaning or broad, and immediate junking of revealed accouterments is a
simple way to maximizethe useful service life of both carpeted and uncoated concrete
shells.
1.2 Problem identification
Generally, contamination of the environment results in acid rains. When concrete is
subjected to acidic environments, it deteriorates, losing strength and resistance and
potentially causing disasters. This is the problem we identified.
1.3 Scope of the work
The main scope of the project is to increase the durability of the cement and lessen the
carbon footprint it emits by using small amounts of limestone powder.

1
1.4 Objectives
The main objective of the study is to increase the durability of the concrete in acidic
conditions.
Durability aspects of the concrete:
• Permeability
• Compaction
• Temperature
• Silicon dioxide
• Menstruation
• Cement content
• Sulphate attack.
• Aggressive chemicals
• Water pollution
• Moisture

2
 CHAPTER

2
LITERATURE REVIEW
General 2.1:

Literature review about the influence of limestone powder on the durability of concrete
under a basic environment.
Zhengwu Jiang, Maria Juenger (2023):
Study of micro- and nano-mechanisms related to the hydration process, phase and
microstructure evolution of new low-carbon cement, and the impact of chemical
admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on cement properties.
Introduction of new test methods for Low-Carbon Cement Composites, including a
rapid evaluation method for the activity of supplementary materials.
Examination of policies and life-cycle assessments, with a focus on the relationship
between durability and life-cycle assessment, and quantitative methods to determine the
optimal supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) to Ordinary Portland Cement
(OPC) for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Yuvaraj Dhandapani et al (2021):
According to Yuvaraj Dhandapani and colleagues (2021), The influence of limestone
addition on the durability behavior of composite binders is a critical aspect that requires
further investigation. The interaction between limestone and other components in
ternary binders can affect long-term performance and durability.
Hao Zeng,Yang Li ,et al (2021):
According to Hao Zeng and colleagues, the early compressive strength of concrete
mixed with 10% limestone powder was higher compared to reference concrete without
limestone powder. The pH values at different depths varied for different freeze-thaw
cycle numbers and immersion times. Limestone mortar showed better corrosion
resistance than pure cement mortar, with Group L concrete exhibiting higher initial
strength and better frost resistance.

3
R. S. Fediuk, A. V. Mochalov, A. V. Bituev, and M. E. Zayakhanov (2019):
R. S. Fediuka and colleagues found Mechanochemical activation of the binding system
can enhance the strength characteristics of composite materials. The increased hydration
activity of fine fractions of the mineral filler, combined with specific surface area and
mechanochemically activated surface layers, contributes to the advantageous physio-
mechanical properties of the proposed binders.
Yudiesky Cancio Díaza,b, Sofia Sánchez Berriela, et al (2017):
LC3 cement can potentially replace up to 50% of clinker in cement production,
significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (20-23%) compared to
business- as-usual practices. By adopting LC3 technology, the cement industry can
achieve a higher return on investment and increase production capacity while reducing
environmental impact. The study estimates that the profitability of the cement industry
could surpass the business-as-usual scenario by 8-10% points by 2025 if LC3
technology is widely adopted.LC3 cement production costs are reduced by 15-25%
compared to conventional solutions, despite the additional capital required for
calcinating kaolinite clay.
Gritsada Sua-iam , Natt Makul (2012):
The addition of limestone powder improved the flow times of self-compacting concrete
mixtures, enhancing workability and ease of placement. The primary effect of limestone
powder addition was a 'filler effect, improving the microstructure in the bulk paste
matrix and transition zone, leading to increased compressive strength of the concrete.
The compressive strength of the concrete mixtures improved progressively with the
addition of limestone powder, indicating enhanced mechanical properties over time.

F. Girardi, W. Vaona, R. Di Maggio (2010):

According to F. Girardi and colleagues, The greatest expansion and severe damage were
observed in pozzolanic, BFC and Portland limestone cement (PLC) concretes without
SF. These concretes experienced a sudden increase in expansion rate after an induction
period, with expansion occurring in two stages.
SEM and EDX analyses revealed that concretes with SF had few microcracks, some
containing microcrystalline gypsum. In contrast, concretes without SF, especially PLC,
and BFC concretes, exhibited severe surface and interior damage with cracks filled with
gypsum.
4
By Dale P. Bentz, Edgardo F. Irassar, Brooks E. Bucher, and W. Jason Weiss
(2009): By Dale P. Bentz’s Research has shown that mixtures containing interground
limestone may decrease susceptibility to cracking at early ages, with benefits observed
in decreasing autogenous deformation and total deformation The ingress of aggressive
ions, such as chlorides, into concrete structures is highly dependent on factors like
capillary porosity, which can impact durability.
Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah, Ahmad Ruslan Mohd Ridzuan (2014):
The study highlighted the concentration of NaOH influenced the strength characteristic
of WPSA-based geopolymer concrete. The high concentration of sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) solution will improve the compressive strength properties of geopolymer
concrete produced because the higher concentration of NaOH produced the good
bonding between aggregate and paste of the concrete
Chinmoy Dutta, Md. Abdur Rakib, [Link] Hossain3 and Muhammad Harunur
Rashid(2020):
The research investigated the effect of mixing water pH on concrete performance was
studied. From the study it was evident that the pH of mixing water has very little
influence on short term compressive strength of concrete. But it has significant impact
on long term compressive strength of concrete. It was also found that compressive
strength increases with the increase in pH of mixing water. The specific heat and
thermal diffusivity values were found incremental for both acidic and alkaline mixing
water as compared to neutral water. As thermal conductivity is the product of these two
components, similar behaviour was observed for the samples made with different water
pH. About 40% thermal conductivity was increased for the sample prepared with
mixing water of pH 13 as compared with sample prepared with mixing water of pH 7.
The value was also found about 28% incremental for mixing water pH of 5.

5
2.2 Summary of Literature Review:

Studies by Zhengwu Jiang, Maria Juenger, Gritsada Sua-iam, and Natt Makul
emphasize the positive effects of limestone powder on the hydration process,
microstructure, workability, and compressive strength of concrete mixtures.
F. Girardi, W. Vaona, and R. Di Maggio discuss the expansion and damage observed in
concretes containing limestone, pozzolanic materials, and Portland limestone cement,
highlighting the importance of supplementary materials like silica fume in reducing
microcracks and enhancing durability.
Furthermore, this chapter mentions the potential of LC3 technology to reduce
production costs, increase capacity, and lower environmental impact in the cement
industry. It also touches upon the enhanced early compressive strength and corrosion
resistance of concrete with limestone powder, as well as the role of mechanochemical
activation in improving the strength characteristics of composite materials.

6
 CHAPTER

3
EXPERIMENTATION AND METHODOLOGY
General 3.1:
This chapter mentions about the those are the materials used in the project.
 Ordinary Portland Cement
 Limestone Powder
 Fine Aggregate
 Coarse Aggregate
 Sieves
 Weighting machine
 Concrete Cube Moulds (150mmX150mm)
 Cement Cube Moulds (70mmX70mm)
 Compression Testing Machine
 Vicat Apparatus
 Vicat Mould
 Le-Chatlier Apparatus
 Le-Chatlier Mould
 Water Bath
3.2 Tests Conducted:
The chapter discussed in 3.2 about the tests used in the project for the original soil and
stabilized soil.
 Fineness of Cement
 Normal Consistency
 Initial and Final Setting Time
 Soundness of Cement
 Specific gravity of Cement
 Compressive Strength

7
3.3 LABORATORY TESTS:
3.3.1 Fineness of Cement:
The pace of hydration and, consequently, the rate of area for hydration are
significantly influenced by the fineness of the cement, which results in a quicker and
more significant development of strength. However, because it costs a lot to grind
cement to a higher degree of fineness, excessive fineness is also undesirable. Overly
fine cement is less likely to bleed but deteriorates more quickly in the presence of air.
It also tends to pass more shrinkage. Finer cement also requires more water to make a
paste with a standard consistency. The IS code provides two ways to determine the
fineness of cement.
1. By dry sieving.
2. Air-permeability method.
The fineness of cement is measured either in terms of
1) Percentage of air retained after sieving it through a 90-micron (sieve no.9).
2) The surface area of cement particles in cm2 /gm.

Figure [Link]: Liquid limit

8
3.3.2 Normal Consistency:
The percentage of water required by the cement paste, whose viscosity allows the Vicat
plunger to penetrate up to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat Mould, is
known as the normal consistency. The typical consistency of the cement to be used
determines how much water is needed to create specimens, determine starting and final
setting durations, and determine the tensile and compressive strengths of the cement. The
usual consistency or water demand of cement is contingent upon the cement's fineness
and compound composition.

Figure [Link]: Consistency

3.3.3 Initial and Final Setting Time:

The cement paste that results from adding water to the mixture begins to harden and
become stronger while also becoming less uniform. Initial setting time and final setting
time are the two stiffening stages that are recognized. The amount of time that passes
between adding water to the cement and the point at which a 1 mm square section needle
is unable to penetrate the test block down to a depth of approximately 5 mm from the
bottom of the vicat-mould is known as the initial setting time. The amount of time that
passes between adding water to the cement and the point at which a 1 mm square section
needle with a 4 mm dis attachment leaves an impression on the test block is known as the
final setting time.

9
Figure [Link]: Initial Setting Time Figure [Link]: Final Setting Time

3.3.4 Soundness of Cement:

It is crucial that there be no discernible volume change in the cement upon setting. It has
been discovered that some cements expand significantly after setting, upsetting the mass
that has hardened and set. When such cement is employed, it will seriously impair the
durability of constructions. Cement undergoes a soundness test to determine whether any
noticeable expansion is occurring in the material. The reason for measuring soundness in
this test is the excess lime present. According to IS 4031 (part3)-1988, typical, rapid-
setting, low-heat Portland cements cannot expand more than 10 mm. In the event that the
above-tested expansion exceeds 10 mm, the cement is said to be unsound

Figure [Link]: Soundness of cement

10
3.3.5 Specific Gravity of Cement:
Cement generally has a specific gravity of 3.10 to 3.16. Nevertheless, this figure may
differ somewhat based on elements like the cement's composition and production method.
To guarantee precise mix design and quality control, the specific gravity of the cement
being used in a given project must be ascertained. Standardized procedures are typically
used in a laboratory setting to perform this measurement.

3.3.6 Compressive Strength:

Of all the characteristics of cement, the compressive strength of hardened cement is the
most crucial. The strongest material in compression is cement, which is weaker in
tension. Because neat cement might easily crack due to severe shrinkage, strength tests on
neat cement paste are rarely conducted. Cement strength is discovered indirectly in the
specific amounts of cement sand mortar. Cement strength is determined using standard
Ennore sand.

Figure [Link]: Compression testing on concrete cube

11
 Ordinary Portland cement
+
Limestone Powder

Cement Properties
Below given flow chart represents the workflow of the project:

Normal Initial and Soundness Specific Compressive

Fineness of
final setting
cement consistency of Cement gravity Strength
time

12
Performing Checking the compressive
the cement strength and deuteration of the
properties test blocks
3.4 Methodology:

Casting of mixed designs

Curing in acidic condition

concrete
 CHAPTER

4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
General 4.1:

Chapter 4 is about the Cement properties of the Ordinary Portland [Link] basic
cement properties of Ordinary Portland Cement are mentioned in below table 4.1.
Figure 4.1 Shows the Cement properties of the Ordinary Portland Cement.
Ordinary Portland Cement
Fineness of Cement 6%
Normal Consistency 32%
Initial: 40 Min
Initial and Final Setting Time
Final:600 Min
Soundness of Cement 5mm
Specific Gravity 3.15g/cc
Compressive Strength 52.3 Mpa

4.2 Fineness of cement test:

Chapter 4.2 shows the Fineness test conducted results discussed below for the Ordinary
Portland Cement and OPC+ Limestone Mixtures.
Figure 4.2 Shows the Final results of the ordinary Portland cement tested for Fineness
Test with the combination of different proportions of Ordinary Portland cement with
5%, 10%, and 20% limestone.
Figure 4.2: Results of Fineness of Cement test results

OPC + Limestone Mixture (%) Fineness of Cement

0 6%
5 6%
10 6%
20 6%

18