Characteristics of Hydraulic Lime using Low-grade Dolomitic Limestone

This study aims to produce dolomitic hydraulic lime (D-NHL) using domestic low grade dolomitic limestone and to determine the effect of adding blast furnace slag (BFS) and gypsum as part of an investigation of the hydration properties of D-NHL to increase the mechanical properties. The main mineral phases of D-NHL as a hydraulic lime binder were Ca(OH)₂, Mg(OH)₂, C₂S, C₃S, and MgO residues. Ca(OH)₂ transformed into CaCO₃ in D-NHL paste over the period of 28 days, but the carbonation of Mg(OH)₂ and the hydration of C₂S did not occur until hydration, after 28 days. Through an investigation of the hydration properties of D-NHL pastes mixed with BFS and gypsum, Al-based compounds such as calcium aluminate hydrates (C₄AH 13 ) and ettringite were observed at early hydration time. The compressive strength was improved due to the increased quantities of these hydration products. These results show that good performance results from the application of dolomitic hydraulic lime and that a high value product can be made from domestic waste materials.