Use of mineral fines to reduce clinker content of cementitious compositions

Abstract

Mineral fines reduce OPC content in concrete, mortar and other cementitious compositions, typically in combination with a pozzolanically active SCM. Mineral fines can replace and/or augment a portion of hydraulic cement and/or fine aggregate. Mineral fines can replace a portion of cement binder and fine aggregate as an intermediate that fills a size void between largest cement particles and smallest fine aggregate particles. Supplemental lime can enhance balance of calcium ions in the mix water and/or pore solution. Supplemental sulfate can address sulfate deficiencies caused by high clinker reduction, use of water reducers and/or superplasticizers, and SCMs containing aluminates. Concentrated or pure carbon dioxide (CO) can be used to passivate alkaline values in highly alkaline materials, such as concrete washout fines, CKD, class C flyash, incinerator ash, bottom ash, or biomass ash. COpassivation or sequestration can be carried out before, during or after forming an initial concrete mix.