Innovative use of Portland limestone cement and date palm ash in sustainable preplaced aggregate concrete grouts

This study investigates the innovative integration of Portland limestone cement (PLC) and date palm ash (DPA) in preplaced aggregate concrete (PAC) grouts, addressing the urgent need for sustainable construction materials with a lower carbon footprint. With the construction industry contributing significantly to global CO2 emissions, utilizing agricultural by-products like DPA offers an eco-friendly alternative while mitigating waste disposal challenges. The research evaluates single, binary, and ternary binders incorporating supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume (SF) and metakaolin to optimize PAC's mechanical properties. Findings reveal that binary grouts with PLC and 10% SF achieved the highest compressive strength (68.3 MPa), outperforming traditional mixtures by 40%. Microstructural analysis confirmed that DPA enhances matrix density and reduces pore size, contributing to improved durability. Recommendations include further exploration of DPA's role in reducing cement content and promoting resource efficiency. The findings highlight PLC and DPA as viable components for greener construction, advancing PAC's potential as a sustainable concrete for structural applications.