Binary Cementitious Blends with Natural Zeolite

Addition: A Review
By

Perez-Diaz E.D. Sandoval-Herazo L.C.

Doctorate in science of the engineer, Post-
Master in Science, Postgrad Department
grad Depart.
Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro Instituto Tecnológico de Orizaba
Querétaro, México. Orizaba, México.
edgarperezd@hotmail.com lcsandovalh@gmail.com

Abstract
This article demonstrates that replacing Portland cement with natural zeolite as a poz-
zolanic material improves the properties of a cementitious mixture (pastes, mortars and
concretes) with the durability of a concrete benefiting. The mechanical strength as a
fundamental property of a concrete increases with the incorporation of natural zeolite,
within the percentages with better mechanical behavior is a range between 10%
and 20% of natural zeolite with respect to the weight of the cement, however be-
tween 20% and 40% (perhaps a little more) are generated concrete with adequate
mechanical resistance.
Introduction A zeolite concrete can be used perfectly in
any field of civil engineering, zeolite is an
The zeolite tuffs resulting from the reaction economical material in comparison to other
of volcanic ash deposited in salt lakes are pozzolanic materials.
considered as a natural material with poz-
zolanic characteristics. Results
The International Concrete Association de-
fines natural pozzolans as a material com-
posed of silica and aluminum.

The territory of Mexico, in an approximate

proportion of 50%, is formed by volcanic
sequences of the pliocene type.

Currently presenting 30 NZ deposits, predominating zeo-

lite type Clinoptilolite, being cataloged as one of the main
exporting countries of zeolite in America, after Cuba.

PC production consumes a high amount of energy and raw materials, this industry is The low permeability of these concretes would con-
responsible for the large amounts of CO2 emitted every year, approximately 7% of the siderably increase the durability of the structural
total caused by man members.

Conclusion
This paper summarizes the present research of the incorporation of natural zeolite in cementitious
mixtures based on PC, highlighting the fundamental properties that this material acquires by the sub-
stitution. The latest carried out research agrees that the use of natural zeolite for the production of
concrete and its derivatives is 100% recommended for its high mechanical performance and for the
increase of the durability of the members made with this binary material. The implementation of natu-
ral zeolite as a pozzolanic material should not be a second option but a fact, a study of the technical-
budget processes of production of binary cement based on natural zeolite should be done with the aim
of changing the construction paradigms and start using alternative materials to help mitigate environ-
mental damage.
References
B. Leguori, F. Lucolano, B. Gennaro, M. Marroccoli and D. Caputo, “Zeolitized tuff in environmental friendly production of
cementitious material: Chemical and mechanical characterization”. Construction and Building Materials journal, vol. 99, pp.
272-278, 2015B.

Uzal, L. Turanli, “Blended cements containing high volume of natural zeolites: Properties, hydration and paste microstructure”,
Cement & Concrete Composites, Vol. 34, pp. 101–109, 2012

M. Najimi, J. Sobhani, B. Ahmadi and M. Shekarchi, “An experimental study on durability properties of concrete containing
zeolite as a highly reactive natural pozzolan”, Construction and Building Materials, vol. 35, pp. 1023-1033, 2012

ACKNOWLEDGMENT