Influences of limestone particle size distributions and contents on blended cement properties

• We developed limestone cement with high packing density to maximize binder properties.
• Limestone powders with three main particle diameters were examined.
• Combinations of limestone powders with several different particle sizes were studied.
• Increasing surface area and packing density improve blended cement performances.
• Blended cement with a combination of several particle sizes performed the best.

Limestone cement with high packing density was developed to maximize binder properties in spite of increased limestone contents. Limestone powders with three main particle diameters relative to the clinker particles were used. Cements with a single-size limestone particle and with combinations of several particle sizes were compared. It was concluded that the replacement of an active material with an inert additive can improve cement paste performances by increasing the surface area and the packing density of the cement-based particles, mainly when limestone powders with a combination of several different particle size distributions were used due to increased packing density.