Fresh and Hardened Properties of Pastes and Concretes with LC3 and Its Economic Viability: Indian Ready Mix Industry Perspective

The study is focused on the evaluation of fresh and hardened properties of pastes and concrete with LC3. The plastic and hardened properties of LC3 are analyzed and compared with OPC 53. A comprehensive study is done on identifying the optimum admixture type for best LC3 paste fresh state properties and compared with OPC 53, PPC, PSC, OPC + 50% PFA (high-volume fly ash) and OPC + 70% GGBS (high-volume GGBS) pastes at varying water–binder ratios (w/b). Fresh and hardened properties of LC3 concretes are analyzed and compared with OPC, PPC, PSC, high-volume fly ash, and high-volume GGBS concrete. The concrete study is focused on achieving LC3 concrete fresh properties with regard to ready mix concrete industry requirements. The durability factors like resistance to chloride ion penetration, water permeability, and water absorption are studied on LC3 concrete and compared with OPC, PPC, PSC, high-volume fly ash and high-volume GGBS concrete. The study also compares material cost of M40 grade concrete in major Indian metro cities and arrives at a landed basic price for LC3 (in terms of percentage of OPC price) in these cities for commercial viability of LC3 use in Indian ready mix industry.