A study involving Amrize and Concrete Strategies has found that properly designed concrete made with Type IL portland-limestone cement can provide abrasion resistance comparable to conventional Type I/II cement systems in industrial flooring applications.
Led by Temple University’s Mehdi Khanzadeh Moradllo, the research combined laboratory testing with full-scale field trials. It examined Type IL and Type IL-plus-SCM concrete systems intended for heavily trafficked floors in data centres, warehouses and distribution centres. The effects of fibre reinforcement, surface hardeners and densifiers were also assessed, alongside the concrete’s carbonation performance.
The results showed that, when correctly proportioned, placed and finished, the Type IL systems could match the abrasion performance of conventional concrete. The researchers said the correlation between laboratory and field results could help inform future performance-based standards and industry guidance.
Amrize supplied technical expertise and participated in the field trials alongside Concrete Strategies. The project was supported by the ACI Foundation, American Cement Association and Concrete Advancement Foundation.
Type IL cement contains a higher proportion of limestone than conventional Portland cement, reducing its clinker requirement and embodied carbon. However, the study emphasises that mix design and construction practices remain important determinants of performance.
