Concrete

Making durable concrete by using ternary blend

Published

2 years ago

April 27, 2024

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Cement, flyash, ground granulated blast furnace slag(GGBFS) are the key components in the ternary blend used to make concrete. Nagesh Veeturi and Sumanta Sahu of KEC International – Civil Business, shed light on reducing the carbon footprint of cement production by using supplementary cementitious materials.

Cement is prime ingredient in concrete. One tonne of cement produces around 0.8 to 1 MT of carbon dioxide. It’s worth noting that efforts are being made to reduce the carbon footprint of cement production by using supplementary cementitious materials such as flyash and GGBS in concrete. In case of ternary blended concrete, supplementary cementitious materials flyash and GGBS are used in addition to cement, sand, aggregate, water and admixture.

To evaluate the percentage of replacement of cement with flyash and GGBS, one needs to understand the properties of concrete mix with flyash and GGBS as ingredients, structure strength, stripping time and durability requirements.

Properties of Supplementary Cementitious Materials

Flyash

Pulverised coal is used in thermal power plants for electricity generation. A by-product of this combustion reaction is fly ash. The electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) used inside chimneys of the power plants remove flyash before ejecting out the combustion gases into the atmosphere. Fly ash is a very fine particle like residue, which has pozzolanic properties. Hence it is often blended with cement and also used as partial replacement of cement.

Fly ash consists of silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃) and calcium oxide (CaO) as its major components. Fly ash can be of two types – C type and F type. C type fly ash is rich in calcium oxide and possesses both cementitious and pozzolanic properties whereas F type fly ash is low in calcium oxide content and possesses only pozzolanic properties.

Due to spherical shape of flyash, water demands in concrete is reduced, concrete becomes more cohesive.
Silica in flyash reacts with calcium hydroxide released from cement to form CSH Gel, Formation of CSH Gel leads to increase in strength of concrete further and make the concrete dense and durable.
35 per cent of cement can be replaced with flyash according to IS specification. However, for mass concrete high volume flyash up to 50 per cent can be used.
Early strength observed to be less for flyash concrete.
Due to slow development of strength of concrete, stripping time gets delayed.

(Flyash produced from Thermal Power Plant)

Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS)

Blast furnace slag is a by-product of iron ore during iron extraction process. Amongst all mineral admixtures, blast furnace slag has the highest specific gravity (2.8 to 3.0). Typically, the slag fineness is slightly more than that of the cement.

There are various types of slag available like air cooled slag, expanded or foamed slag, granulated slag. Among these only the granulated slag is commonly used as a mineral admixture. It is a highly reactive form of slag and is usually quenched to form a hardened matter which is then grounded into particles of fineness almost same as that of cement. Hence the material is called as ‘ground granulated blast furnace slag’.

GGBFS possesses both cementitious and pozzolanic properties. An activator is needed to hydrate the slag.

GGBFS increases the initial setting time of the concrete. But it does not alter the workability of the concrete much because its fineness is almost same as that of the cement.
The early rate of strength gain in concrete is diminished by replacement of cement in the concrete with GGBFS.
The final strength is improved by slag cement and also the durability of the concrete is increased.
Concrete uses in marine construction are highly prone to chemical attack and corrosion. GGBFS as a concrete ingredient increases resistance against sulphate and chloride attack.

Normally concrete tends to segregate with GGBS as ingredient,

(GGBFS produced from Steel Plant)\

Concrete with flyash and GGBS as ingredients (Ternary Blend)

Ternary blended concrete is observed to be more cohesive and workable due to presence of flyash in concrete. Early strength gain can be achieved by using both Cement and GGBS in concrete. Concrete with ternary blend is win-win situation in terms of good product quality, optimising the cost of concrete, durability and resistance against chemical attack. Additionally, the use of SCMs in concrete can contribute to sustainability efforts by minimizing the cement content which is associated with significant carbon dioxide emission during its manufacturing process.

The hydration process of ternary blended concrete is divided into primary reaction by OPC and GGBS, pozzolanic reaction of GGBS and flyash as the secondary process. Both materials react with Calcium hydroxide produced by cement hydration to form CSH gel, which gives denser microstructure than conventional OPC concrete. The dense structure improves the durability properties of ternary blended concrete. Process yields to minimise penetration of aggressive chemicals such as sulphate, chloride as compared to conventional concrete mix.

Conclusion

Use of supplementary cementitious materials always improve the durability properties of concrete along with cost optimisation. Selection of supplementary cementitious materials, percentage replacement with cement is taken considering the strength and durability requirements of structure.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

3 days ago

June 1, 2026

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The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.

Concrete

Burnpur Cement Reports Standalone Net Loss Of Rs 207.4 Million

Standalone net loss of Rs 207.4 mn in March 2026 quarter

Published

3 days ago

June 1, 2026

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Burnpur Cement reported a standalone net loss of Rs 207.4 million (Rs 207.4 million) for the quarter ended March 2026. The company said the loss reflects its financial performance for the period and will be reflected in its results filed with regulators. The announcement followed routine quarterly reporting by the listed cement manufacturer. Burnpur Cement is a cement manufacturer operating in India and serving construction markets, with operations spanning production, distribution and sales across the domestic construction sector.

The March 2026 quarter result marks a weakening in profitability for Burnpur Cement as market conditions in the sector remained challenging. The company attributed the outcome to operational and market factors, while outlining measures to manage costs and working capital. The reported standalone loss of Rs 207.4 million will be central to assessments by analysts and investors, which will be weighed alongside sector trends and company guidance. Management indicated continued focus on stabilising operations and optimising production efficiency.

No further numerical details were included in the initial summary, and consolidated figures were not disclosed in the brief notice, constraining immediate analysis of underlying drivers. The firm reiterated that it will provide comprehensive results and explanatory notes in its annual filing and investor communications. Analysts will assess the full disclosures when detailed financial statements become available. The timing of those detailed filings will determine how soon stakeholders can access full data.

Investors and stakeholders were advised to review the filings and the company’s releases for complete information, including cash flow and segmental performance, before drawing investment conclusions. The company’s operations and future guidance will determine recovery prospects in subsequent quarters. Regulatory disclosures and investor communications will guide market interpretation of the quarter and inform analyst forecasts. Burnpur Cement remains subject to the regulatory reporting process applicable to listed entities.

Concrete

Ramco Cements Campaign Wins Six Kyoorius Honours

Hard Worker campaign wins Grand Prix for Eco Plaster film

Published

6 days ago

May 29, 2026

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The Ramco Cements Limited’s Hard Worker campaign has achieved a major milestone at the prestigious Kyoorius Creative Awards, winning six honours including the coveted Grey Elephant Grand Prix for the Eco Plaster film. The awards were announced and presented at the Kyoorius Creative Awards Night 2026 held on 23rd May 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.

Competing alongside some of the country’s leading brands and agencies, the campaign received recognition across multiple creative categories, reaffirming the power of authentic storytelling rooted in the lives of hardworking people. The Eco Plaster commercial, which highlighted the importance of water conservation through innovative construction solutions, emerged as the campaign’s biggest winner, securing most of the honours.

The campaign’s wins include:
Grey Elephant (Grand Prix) – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant – Best Film – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant – Best Direction – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant – Best Music – Eco Plaster
Baby Elephant – Best Direction -Tortoise & Hare
Baby Elephant – Best Use of Humour – Eco Plaster

Established in 2014, the Kyoorius Creative Awards recognise and celebrate creative excellence across India’s advertising, marketing and communications industries. Presented by Zee Entertainment Enterprises and powered by the USA-based The Clio Awards, the awards are regarded among the country’s most respected creative honours.

Known for their ethical and neutral judging process, the Kyoorius Creative Awards evaluate work purely on merit through a non-hierarchical awards structure, without Gold, Silver or Bronze distinctions. The iconic Elephant symbolises memorable work that leaves a lasting impact on the industry.

The Hard Worker campaign by The Ramco Cements Limited was conceived around the insight that true strength and progress are built through everyday hard work. Through emotionally resonant storytelling, distinctive craft and culturally rooted narratives, the campaign connected strongly with audiences across markets. The integrated campaign was rolled out across television, digital platforms, outdoor media and extensive on-ground activations, helping strengthen the brand’s connect with consumers, engineers, masons and trade communities alike.

Commenting on the achievement, A V Dharmakrishnan, CEO of Ramco Cements, said: “Winning at the Kyoorius Creative Awards is a proud moment for all of us. The Hard Worker campaign was created as a tribute to the spirit of hardworking people who form the backbone of our industry and our nation. These recognitions reaffirm our belief that authentic, meaningful storytelling has the power to create a deep and lasting connection with people.”

Balaji K Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, Ramco Cements, added: “The Hard Worker campaign was built on a simple but powerful insight – that hard work deserves recognition and respect. We wanted the communication to feel rooted, emotional and culturally relevant while also pushing creative boundaries. Winning six honours, including the Grey Elephant Grand Prix, is a tremendous validation of the idea, the craft and the collaborative effort of everyone involved in the campaign.”