Altuntas, Imirza OkayOzturk, OguzhanYildirim, Gurkan2025-07-102025-07-1020252352-7102https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.113236We investigate the use of low-grade and waste clays sourced from mine tailings (MT) and construction and demolition waste (CDW) stream to develop LC3 and mortars. This work is of great importance to T & uuml;rkiye and countries alike, which are major cement producers and frequently face challenges from catastrophic earthquakes and landslides, leading to the accumulation and downcycling of large quantities of inactive MT- and CDW-based clays. Accordingly, as a novel pathway to tackle environmental and post-disaster recovery challenges, revalorization of previously downcycled or landfilled materials as alternative sources in LC3 is introduced herein. The study investigated the chemical composition, mineralogy, and physical properties of clays by using particle size distribution (PSD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Clays sourced from MT were calcined at different temperatures within 450-900 degrees C range, while CDW-based ceramic tile (WCT) clay was used without calcination. Clays calcined at different temperatures were assessed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Along with the enhancement of PSD and material uniformity by hybrid grinding, viscosity and plasticity of the clays were measured by focusing on flowability. Fresh and hardened properties of the produced LC3 mixtures were compared to traditional clinker-rich CEM I 42.5R Portland cement (PC) pastes/mortars, and LC3 mixtures made from high-grade refined kaolin (RK) clay. Flow spreads of all LC3 mortars ranged between 10 and 23.5 cm compared to PC mortars with a flow spread of 23 cm. Initial and final setting times of LC3 pastes ranged between 90-145 min and 180-245 min, while the same values for PC pastes were 95 and 200 min, respectively. Fresh properties and compressive strength of all LC3 mixtures using MT and WCT clays complied with standard requirements. LC3 mortar utilizing low-grade clay, calcined at 600 degrees C and costs similar to 8 times less than high-grade RK clay, exhibited an average 7-day compressive strength of 33.8 MPa, comparable to that of RK-based LC3 mortar (33.4 MPa). Another LC3 mortar containing low-grade clay calcined at 750 degrees C exceeded the 28-day compressive strength (50.1 MPa) of PC mortar (46.9 MPa). LC3 mixtures containing WCT clay displayed the highest strength development over time, reaching a 90-day compressive strength of 53.2 MPa. Findings demonstrate the potential of utilizing MT and WCT clays for sustainable LC3 formulations by optimizing their physical, mineralogical, and thermal properties offering significant environmental benefits.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessCalcinationClayConstruction And Demolition Waste (CDW)Mine Tailing (MT)Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3)Article10.1016/j.jobe.2025.1132362-s2.0-105008773548