Effect of limestone as a substituent on the physicochemical characteristics of Portland cement and mortars

Hardened cement pastes were made with and without limestone as a partial substituent of ordinary Portland cement and using the standard water of consistency suitable for each blend. The effect of the limestone as a partial substituent of Portland cement on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the various blended cement pastes was reported. The results obtained were discussed on the basis of the chemical composition and physical state of the hydration products of the various pastes investigated as well as their initial porosities as controlled by the initial water/cement ratios