This study compares the pozzolanic activity of kaolinitic and illite clays after calcination as they are the most abundant types of clays worldwide. The impact of calcined clays on microstructure development is tested by determining the porosity of cement paste as well as by phase and optical analysis of cement matrix and interfacial transition zone of concrete. As water transportation with damaging carbonate or chloride ions is the main reason for reduced durability of reinforced concrete, the results are complemented with water absorption tests on blended concretes. At 28 days, system with calcined kaolinitic clay reveal a higher densification of its microstructure with lower water absorption rate compared to plain concrete and concrete with calcined illite clay, which is related to its higher pozzolanic reactivity. Nonetheless calcined illite clays can be considered as low-cost clinker replacement as a significant pozzolanic contribution is detectable and after 90 days, the water absorption behaviour is comparable with those of the other systems investigated.    «

This study compares the pozzolanic activity of kaolinitic and illite clays after calcination as they are the most abundant types of clays worldwide. The impact of calcined clays on microstructure development is tested by determining the porosity of cement paste as well as by phase and optical analysis of cement matrix and interfacial transition zone of concrete. As water transportation with damaging carbonate or chloride ions is the main reason for reduced durability of reinforced concrete, the...    »