A cementitious composition for sustainable construction

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cementitious composition for sustainable construction. The cementitious composition comprises an additive that enhances the performance of concrete. Further, the use of the additive in the cementitious composition leads to a significant reduction in water consumption, cement usage, and overall carbon footprint.

Description

[0001] A CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITION FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a construction material. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cementitious composition for sustainable construction.

[0004] DEFINITIONS

[0005] As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicates otherwise.

[0006] Slump Retention: The term “slump retention” refers to the ability of freshly mixed concrete to maintain its initial slump (workability) over a period of time. It indicates how long the concrete remains workable before it starts to set or stiffen. For example, a concrete mix with a slump retention of 180 minutes can maintain its original slump for 180 minutes after mixing.

[0007] Fly ash: The term “fly ash” refers to a fine particulate residue resulting from the combustion of pulverized coal in electric power plants.

[0008] Ground granulated blast furnace slag: The term “ground granulated blast furnace slag” refers to a by-product formed during the production of iron in a blast furnace, wherein molten slag is rapidly quenched to form granules and subsequently ground into a fine powder.

[0009] Bottom ash: The term “bottom ash” refers to the coarse, granular material collected at the bottom of furnaces in coal-fired power plants. It is heavier than fly ash.

[0010] BACKGROUND

[0011] The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0012] Cementitious compositions are widely used in construction and infrastructure development due to their mechanical strength, workability, and durability. Conventionally, ordinary Portland cement is used as the primary binder. To meet strength and setting requirements, the cement is often used in high quantities, such as 450 kg / m . However, such high cement content increases material costs and environmental impact. The traditional cementitious compositions often suffer from limited slump retention. This leads to reduced workability and poses challenges during placement and finishing.

[0013] To address these limitations, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have been explored. The SCMs offer sustainability benefits; however, the performance of such SCMs based cementitious compositions is often compromised by the variability in the quality of SCMs, as they tend to have wide particle size distributions, inconsistent chemical composition, low surface reactivity, and poor compatibility with other cementitious components.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a cementitious composition for sustainable construction that mitigates the aforementioned drawbacks or at least provides an alternative solution.

[0015] OBJECTS

[0016] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the background or to at least provide a useful alternative.

[0018] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cementitious composition for sustainable construction having improved slump retention over extended durations.

[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cementitious composition with reduced overall cement and binder usage for sustainable construction.

[0020] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cementitious composition with enhanced compressive strength.

[0021] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cementitious composition that is compatible with commonly used aggregates, additives, and water.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a cementitious composition for sustainable construction. The cementitious composition comprises:

[0024] • a predetermined amount of treated slag particles;

[0025] • a predetermined amount of cement;

[0026] • a predetermined amount of raw slag particles; and

[0027] • optionally, an additive.

[0028] In accordance with the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of the treated slag particles is in the range of 1 wt% to 10 wt%.

[0029] In accordance with the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of the cement is in the range of 40 wt% to 80 wt%.

[0030] In accordance with the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of the raw slag particles is in the range of 15 wt% to 50 wt%.

[0031] In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive is present in an amount in the range of 0 wt% to 5 wt%.

[0032] In accordance with the present disclosure, the wt% of each ingredient is with respect to the cementitious composition.

[0033] In accordance with the present disclosure, a weight ratio of the treated slag particles to the raw slag particles to the cement is in the range of 1: 5: 20 to 1: 15: 40.

[0034] In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive is selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, silica, alumina, basalt, quartz, china clay, gypsum, kaolin, calcite and a combination thereof.

[0035] In accordance with the present disclosure, the raw slag particles are selected from the group consisting of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, mine ash and bottom ash.

[0036] In accordance with the present disclosure, the treated slag particles comprise an additive coated slag particles.

[0037] In accordance with the present disclosure, the treated slag particles have a particle size in the range of 1 micron to 5 microns and a specific surface area in the range of 40000 m / kg to 95000 m2 / kg. In accordance with the present disclosure, the cementitious composition comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of sand, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, water, and a plasticizer.

[0038] In accordance with the present disclosure, the sand comprises washed sand and natural sand in a weight ratio of 1 : 1.

[0039] In accordance with the present disclosure, the coarse aggregates are stone chips having a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm.

[0040] In accordance with the present disclosure, the fine aggregates are stone chips having a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0041] In accordance with the present disclosure, the plasticizer is a polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based superplasticiser.

[0042] In accordance with the present disclosure, water is potable tap water.

[0043] In accordance with the present disclosure, the cementitious composition is characterized by:

[0044] • a slump retention of 130 mm to 200 mm after 120 minutes; and

[0045] • a compressive strength in the range of 50 N / mm to 70 N / mm after 28 days.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present disclosure relates to construction material. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cementitious composition for sustainable construction.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0049] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0050] The terminology used in the present disclosure is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment, and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units, and / or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0051] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0052] The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure, as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another component, region, layer, or section. Terms such as first, second, third, etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

[0053] It may also be noted that any word expressed either in British or American or Indian English would mean the same. For example, the phrase “fibre” and “fiber” or “colour” and “color” or “soyabean” and “soybean” or “vapour” and “vapor” or “hydrolise” and “hydrolyze” or “flavor” and “flavor” would mean the same for the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0054] Cementitious compositions are essential in construction for their strength and durability, with ordinary Portland cement commonly used as the main binder. Traditionally, high cement content (around 450 kg / m ) is required to meet performance needs. This leads to increased costs and environmental impact. Additionally, conventional mixes often exhibit poor slump retention, reducing workability during placement. To overcome these issues, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have been introduced for their sustainability benefits. However, the effectiveness of SCM-based compositions is often limited due to the inconsistent quality of SCMs, such as wide particle size distribution, low surface reactivity, variable chemical makeup, poor compatibility with other mix components and the like. This ultimately affects the overall performance of the cementitious composition. The present disclosure focuses on a cementitious composition for sustainable construction applications that is designed to significantly reduce the overall usage of cement without compromising performance.

[0055] The present disclosure provides a cementitious composition for sustainable construction. The cementitious composition comprises:

[0056] • a predetermined amount of treated slag particles;

[0057] • a predetermined amount of cement;

[0058] • a predetermined amount of raw slag particles; and

[0059] • optionally, an additive.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of the treated slag particles is in the range of 1 wt% to 10 wt% with respect to the cementitious composition.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of the cement is in the range of 40 wt% to 80 wt% with respect to the cementitious composition.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of the raw slag particles is in the range of 15 wt% to 50 wt% with respect to the cementitious composition. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of the raw slag particles is in the range of 15 wt% to 30 wt% with respect to the cementitious composition.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additive is present in an amount in the range of 0 wt% to 5 wt% with respect to the cementitious composition.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a weight ratio of the treated slag particles to the raw slag particles to the cement is in the range of 1: 5: 20 to 1: 15: 40.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additive is selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, silica, alumina, basalt, quartz, China clay, gypsum, kaolin, calcite and a combination thereof.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the raw slag particles are selected from the group consisting of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, mine ash and bottom ash.

[0067] In accordance with the present disclosure, the treated slag particles comprise an additive coated slag particles. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treated slag particles comprise an additive which is at least one material selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, silica, alumina, basalt, quartz, china clay, gypsum, kaolin, and calcite.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additive has a particle size in the range of 1 micron to 4 microns.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the slag particles are selected from the group consisting of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, bottom ash and mine ash.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treated slag particles have a mass ratio of the additive to the slag particles in the range of 1:9 to 1:99.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treated slag particles have a uniform coating of additive over the slag particles.

[0072] In accordance with the present disclosure, the treated slag particles have a particle size in the range of 1 micron to 5 microns.

[0073] In accordance with the present disclosure, the treated slag particles have a specific gravity in the range of 2.3 to 3.7.

[0074] In accordance with the present disclosure, the treated slag particles have a specific surface area in the range of 40000 m2 / kg to 95000 m2 / kg.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treated slag particles are in a spherical form.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treated slag particles have uniform morphology.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cementitious composition comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of sand, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, water, and a plasticizer.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sand comprises washed sand and natural sand in a weight ratio of 1 : 1. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coarse aggregates are stone chips having a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fine aggregates are stone chips having a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plasticizer is polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based superplasticiser. In accordance with the present disclosure, superplasticizer is a high- range water reducing admixture, preferably comprising a higher concentration or higher purity of PCE.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, water is potable tap water.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cementitious composition has a slump retention of 130 mm to 200 mm after 120 minutes. In an exemplary embodiment, the cementitious composition has a slump retention of 135 mm after 120 minutes. In another exemplary embodiment, the cementitious composition has a slump retention of 140 mm after 120 minutes. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the cementitious composition has a slump retention of 150 mm after 120 minutes.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cementitious composition has 28 -day compressive strength in the range of 50 N / mm to 70 N / mm .

[0084] The treated slag particles of the present disclosure are prepared by the following process: a. obtaining slag particles having predetermined characteristics; b. grinding the slag particles at a speed in the range of 15 rpm to 40 rpm for a time period in the range of 30 minutes to 45 minutes to maintain a temperature in the range of 55 °C to 70 °C during grinding to obtain grounded slag particles; c. incorporating an additive to the grounded slag particles in a predetermined mass ratio at for a time period in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes to obtain coated slag particles; and d. cooling the coated slag particles to a temperature in the range of 20 °C to 30 °C to obtain the treated slag particles.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additive is at least one material selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, silica, alumina, basalt, quartz, China clay, gypsum, kaolin, and calcite. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined characteristics of the slag particles are:

[0086] • a particle size is in the range of 10 microns to 100 microns;

[0087] • at least one shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, conical, parabolic, rhomboidal, polyhedral, polygonal and cylindrical; and

[0088] • a specific gravity in the range of 2.3 to 3.7.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the slag particles have an irregular and non- uniform morphology.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the slag particles is in the range of 1:9 to 1:99.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additive is incorporated into the slag particles in a high shear mixer. In accordance with the present disclosure, the high shear mixer facilitates efficient incorporation of the additive into the slag particles by generating intense shear forces that promote uniform dispersion, prevent agglomeration, and enhance surface interaction. This results in improved coating or activation of the slag particles.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treated slag particles are in a spherical form.

[0093] The treated slag particles exhibit improved properties such as increased surface reactivity, better packing density, and enhanced pozzolanic behavior suitable for various industrial applications.

[0094] In accordance with the present disclosure, the treated slag particles show enhanced bonding behavior due to increased surface area, improved interlocking due to uniform size distribution, and reduced angular friction due to spherical geometry.

[0095] The cementitious composition of the present disclosure comprises a mineral-based additive that significantly enhances the concrete performance. It exhibits pozzolanic activity by reacting with calcium hydroxide to form additional C-S-H, boosting strength and durability. Its fine mineral composition ensures reactive homogeneity, improves particle packing, and reduces segregation for a more uniform mix. The additive also lowers water demand by reducing surface tension and enhances workability. Additionally, it mitigates heat by moderating hydration kinetics, reducing peak curing temperatures and minimizing thermal cracking.

[0096] The cementitious composition of the present disclosure finds application in the sustainable construction of mass concreting, roads, buildings, precast concrete, bridges, high-rise structures, ballastless tracks, railway sleepers, underwater mass concreting, high-pressure sustaining structures, loose ballast, coastal protection, dams, nuclear plants, tunnels and flyovers.

[0097] The cementitious composition of the present disclosure results in the following advantages:

[0098] • a reduction in carbon emission of 20 % to 45 %: optimized material use and reduced cement consumption lowers CO2 emissions, decreases pollution, and lowers energy and resource costs, resulting in healthier environments;

[0099] • concrete cost saving of 15 % to 25 %: minimizes resource use and extends structure lifespan, reducing environmental impact. This in turn enhances housing affordability by lowering energy and material costs and delivers long-term savings through reduced material use, maintenance, and improved energy efficiency;

[0100] • water saving up to 40 %;

[0101] • an increase in strength by 15% to 25% compared to conventional cementitious composition. Durable structures minimize material waste, reduce frequent repairs, and ensure safe, long-term use with less disruption. This lowers maintenance costs, yielding significant lifecycle savings;

[0102] • a decrease in cement consumption by 25 % to 45%;

[0103] • a reduction in structural temperature by 10 °C to 15 °C. The natural temperature regulation of the cementitious composition lowers energy used for heating and cooling, providing stable indoor comfort and reducing reliance on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which cuts energy bills and operational costs;

[0104] • a low water permeability, which prevents water ingress, reducing material degradation and environmental impact. It protects against flood damage, lessening human and social harm, especially in flood-prone areas, while lowering repair costs and minimising downtime for homes and businesses; and

[0105] • enhanced fire resistance: the use of non-combustible materials reduces fireproofing needs and environmental damage, enhances safety by slowing fire spread, and limits damage, thus lowering insurance costs and repair expenses.

[0106] Thus, the cementitious composition of the present disclosure contributes to sustainable construction through the partial replacement of cement with both raw and treated slag particles. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with cement production, which is a major source of CO2 emissions.

[0107] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0108] The present disclosure is further illustrated herein below with the help of the following experiments. The experiments used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the experiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of embodiments herein. These experiments can be scaled up to industrial / commercial scale and the results obtained can be extrapolated to industrial / commercial scale.

[0109] EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS:

[0110] Experiment 1: Preparation of the cementitious composition for sustainable construction in accordance with the present disclosure

[0111] Cementitious compositions (Examples 1 to 4) were prepared by incorporating treated slag particles, raw slag particles, cement, and optionally additives. Further, sand, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, water, and a plasticizer were added to prepare a concrete mix. The sand comprises washed sand and natural sand in a 1: 1 weight ratio. The coarse aggregates were stone chips having a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm. The fine aggregates were stone chips having a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. The plasticizer used was a high polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based superplasticiser, and water used was potable tap water. The raw slag particles were GGBS.

[0112] The treated slag particles in accordance with the present disclosure were obtained by grinding raw slag particles at 30 rpm for 45 minutes to obtain ground slag. An additive having a size in the range of 1 micron to 4 microns was then mixed with the ground slag particles using a high shear mixer at 55 °C to 70 °C for 20 minutes to yield treated slag particles with a particle size in the range of 1 micron to 5 microns and having a spherical morphology. The treated slag was cooled to 20 °C to 30 °C. The specific surface area of the treated slag particles was determined in accordance with ASTM D3663, as prescribed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The treated slag particles had a specific surface area in the range of 40000 m / kg to 95000 m / kg. Further, the treated slag particles had a specific gravity in the range of 2.3 to 3.7.

[0113] Further, a comparative example (Example 5) was carried out in a similar manner except that the treated slag particles were not added.

[0114] Concrete mixes were prepared with the following typical proportions (by weight): The ingredients and their amounts are provided in the following Table 1.

[0115] Table 1: Concrete mix having the cementitious composition for sustainable construction in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0116] It was observed that the prepared concrete mixes of examples 1-4 demonstrated excellent slump retention of 100 mm to 150 mm even after 180 minutes and achieved a 28-day compressive strength in the range of 58 N / mm to 64 N / mm . Whereas example 5 showed slum retention of 0 after 120 minutes only. Experiment 2: Analysis of the compressive strength of the cementitious composition comprising treated slag particles versus cementitious composition without treated slag particles.

[0117] The compressive strength of the cementitious composition of the present disclosure (Example 4) and the conventional cementitious composition (Example 5) were evaluated and the results obtained are summarized in Table 2.

[0118] Table 2: Comparative performance of cementitious composition of the present disclosure versus conventional cementitious composition

[0119] *W / C ratio = Water / ( Cement + Raw slag particles)

[0120] It is seen from Table 2 that Example 4, with lower cement (300 kg / m ), higher fly ash (100 kg / m3), treated slag (10 kg / m3), and a lower water-cement ratio (0.33), achieved higher compressive strengths at 7, 14, and 28 days (38.06, 44.56, and 61.81 N / mm respectively) compared to Example 5, which had higher cement (450 kg / m ), lower fly ash (50 kg / m ), no treated slag, and a higher W / C ratio (0.38), resulting in lower strengths (34.08, 40.25, and 55.34 N / mm ); this suggests that a well-optimized mix with supplementary materials and a lower W / C ratio can outperform a mix with higher cement content. Further, the use of additives in Example 1 also showed similar result with a slight increase in compressive strength. Hence, the addition of the treated slag particles provided enhanced properties to the cementitious composition. Further, the use of the treated slag particles in the cementitious composition of the present disclosure leads to significant reductions in water consumption, cement usage, and overall carbon footprint.

[0121] Experiment 3: Comparative analysis of slump retention of the cementitious compositions comprising treated slag particles in accordance with the present disclosure versus conventional cementitious composition The cementitious compositions of Examples 1 to 5 were analyzed slump retention. The slump retention of each composition was measured at multiple time intervals to evaluate workability over time. The slump retention performance at specific intervals (Initial i.e. 0 min, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min) for the cementitious compositions was assessed, and the results obtained are summarised in Table 3.

[0122] Table 3: Minute-wise Slump Retention of cementitious compositions

[0123] *A collapse slump indicates that the concrete completely loses its shape and disintegrates in all directions

[0124] *A 0 mm slump denotes complete loss of workability (i.e., the mix has hardened and is no longer flowable).

[0125] All the concrete mixes prepared using the cementitious compositions of Examples 1 to 4 exhibited an initial collapse slump, which is characteristic of high-performance concrete (HPC) with high flowability. As the mix began to stiffen, slump values were measured starting at 60 minutes. Minute-wise monitoring confirmed stable workability of the mixes up to 120 minutes, with slump values ranging between 130 mm and 190 mm, depending on the additive and admixture dosage. Whereas, the conventional cementitious composition (Example 5) showed significantly lower slump retention, becoming non-flowable (0 mm slump) after 90 minutes. However, all mixes achieved 28-day compressive strengths within the range of 55 N / mm to 65 N / mm .

[0126] TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

[0127] The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages, including, but not limited to, the realization of a cementitious composition that:

[0128] • reduces cement content;

[0129] • exhibits high slump retention and workability; and

[0130] • provides enhanced compressive strength and durability. The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0131] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

[0132] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0133] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions, or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher / lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

[0134] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the disclosure, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

[0135] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0136] The present disclosure is further illustrated below with the help of the following non-limiting examples. The examples disclosed herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of how the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of embodiments herein. These laboratory-scale examples can be scaled up to an industrial / commercial scale, and the results obtained can be extrapolated to an industrial / commercial scale.

Claims

Claims:

1. A cementitious composition for sustainable construction, said composition comprising• a predetermined amount of treated slag particles;• a predetermined amount of cement;• a predetermined amount of raw slag particles; and• optionally, an additive.

2. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein• said predetermined amount of said treated slag particles is in the range of 1 wt% to 10 wt%;• said predetermined amount of said cement is in the range of 40 wt% to 80 wt%; and• said predetermined amount of said raw slag particles is in the range of 15 wt% to 50 wt%, wherein said wt% of each ingredient is with respect to said cementitious composition.

3. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additive is present in an amount in the range of 0 wt% to 5 wt%.

4. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of said treated slag particles to said raw slag particles to said cement is in the range of 1: 5: 20 to 1: 15: 40.

5. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additive is selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, silica, alumina, basalt, quartz, China clay, gypsum, kaolin, calcite and a combination thereof.

6. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said raw slag particles are selected from the group consisting of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, mine ash and bottom ash.

7. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said treated slag particles comprise an additive coated slag particles and wherein said treated slag particles have a particle size in the range of 1 micron to 5 microns and a specific surface area in the range of 40000 m / kg to 95000 m / kg.

8. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of sand, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, water, and a plasticizer.

9. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein • said sand comprises washed sand and natural sand in a weight ratio of 1: 1;• said coarse aggregates are stone chips having a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm;• said fine aggregates are stone chips having a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm; • said plasticizer is polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based superplasticiser; and• water is potable tap water.

10. The cementitious composition as claimed in claim 1, is characterized by: a slump retention of 130 mm to 200 mm after 120 minutes; and2 2 a compressive strength in the range of 50 N / mm to 70 N / mm after 28 days.

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