Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Mortars Manufactured with Partial Substitution of Portland Cement by Kaolinitic Clays

Presently, the search for urgent solutions to mitigate climate change has become a global priority. One of most important challenges is characterization, standardization, and technology sustainable natural raw materials, which will significantly improve quality common types cement, production process emits large amounts greenhouse gases into atmosphere. This work focused on study kaolinitic clays (NKC) from eastern part Iberian Peninsula its main objective define normalize their properties as pozzolanic materials. research consists an initial determine morphological chemical using SEM XRF. Furthermore, physical samples were studied, such thermic treatment (TT), Blane particle finesse (BPF), real density (RD) apparent (AD), porosity (P), volume stability (VS) start final setting time (SFST). On other hand, technological analyses carried out follows: analysis (CATQ), pozzolanicity (CAP), mechanical compression strength tests at 7, 28, 90 days (MCST) well ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). XRF results indicated that SiO2 content (49.9–51.0%) clay in state increases 57.41 58.10%, respectively, when calcined (CKC). The established NKC does not show activity during first 8 15 days; however, once calcinated, reactivity substantially. stress indicate exponential increase resistance 7 days, higher mortars made with CKC; similarly, according calculation Resistant Activity Index (RAI), it shows substitutions Portland cement (PC) by are effective between ranges 10 25%, while case substitution PC CKC, all formulations (10, 25 40%) effective. establishes east can be considered capable partially replacing cement. presented here could used guidelines understanding application materials contributing improvement mortars, concretes, would positively affect preservation environment sustainability eco-efficient construction