Mechanical performance and durability of LC3 cement in social housing using non-standardized aggregates in Mexico

Abstract

The study evaluates LC3 cement (calcined clay, limestone, and clinker) in social housing in Mexico, empha-sizing its sustainability and technical performance. Conducted in La Perla, Veracruz, in collaboration with Holcim and HPH Mexico, LC3 was compared with conventional Portland cements. Results showed that LC3 achieved mechanical strengths comparable to Portland at 28 days, with 40% lower CO₂ emissions. It also exhibited superior durability in ag-gressive environments (low chloride permeability: 100–2000 Coulombs; electrical resistivity: 10–50 kΩ·cm). Howev-er, non-standardized local aggregates (irregular gradation and high fines content) increased water demand (w/c ratio up to 0.63) and limited final strength. The study concludes that LC3 is a viable alternative for sustainable projects, pro-vided local aggregate quality and construction practices are optimized.