Due to economic, environmental and technical benefits, one of the most
widespread applications of natural zeolites is to be found in the cement and concrete
industry. Application of natural zeolite in the manufacture of pozzolanic cements began
from the first decades of the 20th century and shows a growing trend in recent decades.
Use of natural zeolite as a supplementary cementitious material in the production of
cement, mortar and concrete has been investigated in many studies. Generally, it is
shown that the use of natural zeolite leads to the improvement of mechanical strength
and durability properties of cement and concrete composites. In addition to pozzolanic
properties, some other characteristics of natural zeolites have made them useful in
special applications. This chapter aims to review the characteristics of natural zeolites
and their effects on the engineering properties of cement and concrete composites.
Keywords: Natural zeolite, natural pozzolan, supplementary cementitious materials,
construction, sustainable development, pozzolanic activity, cement, concrete, mortar,
workability, Setting time, mechanical properties, durability, alkali-silica reaction,
transport properties, sulfate attack, acid attack, corrosion, drying shrinkage, heat of
hydration.
