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Bediako, M., Adabor, D., Amankwah, E. O., Nyako, K. & Kankam, C. K. (2016). Maximizing the Sustainability of Cement Utilization in Building Projects through the Use of Greener Materials. Journal of Engineering,, 16, (16), 1-6. DOI: 10.1155/3962. http://www.hindawi.com/journal/je/2016/1375493/abs. ISSN: 2314-4901

Abstract
Greener technologies and sustainable developments are currently among the main tools used by many industries in shaping the world for a better future. The construction industry that is known to have numerous negative impact on sustainability is now wide awake on sustainable measures which can aid in reducing its negative impact. In this work, green cement was produced from pyroprocessed clay (PC) at 800°C and mixed together with Portland cement. This paper presents both laboratory tests and some field applications of green cement application. Laboratory tests performed included setting times, compressive strength, and shrinkage. Field applications of the green cement are shown. Results from the work showed that well-proportioned greener cement gained strengths between 11% and 30% more than Portland cement at standard curing period of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. However, in real statistical terms, there was no difference between Portland cement and green cement strength performance. Shrinkage from both total and autogenous tests also showed insignificant differences between the two cements. The study recommends the use of green cements with pozzolanic origin than only Portland cement as a way to maximize sustainability in building projects.

 

Works and Physical DevelopmentJun 14, 20162015/2016

Bediako, M., Amankwah, E. O. & Adabor, D (2015). The Impact of Macroeconomic Indicators on Cement Prices in Ghana. Journal of Material Scientific Research & Report and Application, 9, (7), 1-6. DOI: 10.9734/jsrr/2016/22961. http://www.sciencedomain.org/issue/1393. ISSN: 2320-0227

Abstract
Portland cement is an important commodity in almost every part of the world. Its importance is visible in the construction and concrete industry which are very pivotal in the growth of major economies. In Ghana the construction industry is among the pillars the drives the economy. This study attempted to investigate the impact of some selected macroeconomic indicators on the performance of cement prices between the period of 2000 and 2014. The macroeconomic indicators studied were inflation rate, monetary policy rate and exchange rate. The study used multiple linear regression analysis for the interpretation of the inferential statistical data. The regression results showed that cement cost was not responsive to the trends in inflation and monetary policy rates. It was however responsive to trends in the exchange rate pattern showing a positive relation. To effectively control cement prices, the study recommends an effort to use local materials such as burnt bricks and calcined clay pozzolan which don’t need so much of foreign exchange for any form of importation.

 

Works and Physical DevelopmentJun 14, 20162015/2016

Amankwah, E. O., Bediako, M. & Kankam, C. K (2014). Influence of Calcined Clay Pozzolana on Strength Characteristics of Portland Cement Concrete. International Journal of Material Science and Application, 3, (3), 410-419. DOI: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20140306.30. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijmsa. ISSN: 2327-2643

Abstract
The paper presents results of a study on concrete mixes containing two types of calcined clay pozzolanas obtained from Mankranso and Tanoso for structural application. Mankranso sample is labeled Type I whilst Tanoso also labeled as type II. Both clay samples were analysed to determine their physical and geotechnical properties whilst the chemical composition of the calcined clay samples analysed. Portland cement was replaced with 0%-25% Type I and 0-30% of Type II pozzolanas to formulate binder pastes and concretes. Setting times and normal consistency test were determined on the formulated binder paste. Three grades of concrete (25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2) containing pozzolana were prepared and their workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength investigated against the plain concrete. Concretes with clay pozzolana had delayed setting times and lower densities. They also exhibited a reduction in compressive and tensile strength development at early age (7 days), with an average drop of 6 percent in compressive strength for all grades. However, the compressive and tensile strengths beyond 28 days notably exceeded the control un-blended mixes. This study recommends up to 20% clay pozzolana content of both Types I and II for concrete grades of 25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2.

 

Works and Physical DevelopmentJun 14, 20162015/2016

Bediako, M., Kevern, J. T. & Amankwah, E. O. (2015). Effect of Curing Environment on the Strength Properties of Cement and Cement Extenders. Journal of Material Science and Application, 6, (1), 33-39. DOI: org/10.4236/msa.2015.61005. http://www.scirp.og/journal/msa. ISSN: 2153-1188

Abstract
Curing of cement based products such as concrete and mortar, is very important to achieve good strength and durable products. However the curing environment plays a pivotal role in the overall quality of cement based products in terms of strength development. ASTM C192 allows moist curing either in a fog room or under water. However, these must meet ASTM C511 which controls temperature, and specifically for water curing, the concentration of calcium ions in the curing solution. Unfortunately in many parts of the world, water curing literally means curing in tap water.This is done primarily because there is a lack of knowledge or ignorance regarding the mobility and roll of calcium hydroxide in the curing process. To illustrate the differences, in this study, straight ASTM Type I/II Portland cement and that mixed with powdered waste clay bricks as a cement extender were used to prepare two different batches of mortars. The chemical properties of the powdered waste clay brick met the ASTM C618 standard specifications for Class N pozzolans. Both mortar specimens were cured under two different environment comprising of either water and lime saturated water. Mortar specimens were tested for compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days of either curing conditions. Test results indicated that mortar specimens cured in lime saturated water obtained higher strength than those cured in fresh water at all ages of curing. Statistical inference drawn from ANOVA testing showed that curing conditions had significant impact on strength development of the blended and unblended cement systems. The study recommends that testing of concrete and mortar samples and other research related works be performed in lime saturated water other than fresh water.

 

Works and Physical DevelopmentJun 14, 20162015/2016

Amankwah, E. O., Bediako, M. & Kankam, C. K (2014). Influence of Calcined Clay Pozzolana on Strength Characteristics of Portland Cement Concrete. International Journal of Material Science and Application, 3, (3), 410-419. DOI: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20140306.30. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijmsa. ISSN: 2327-2643

Abstract
The paper presents results of a study on concrete mixes containing two types of calcined clay pozzolanas obtained from Mankranso and Tanoso for structural application. Mankranso sample is labeled Type I whilst Tanoso also labeled as type II. Both clay samples were analysed to determine their physical and geotechnical properties whilst the chemical composition of the calcined clay samples analysed. Portland cement was replaced with 0%-25% Type I and 0-30% of Type II pozzolanas to formulate binder pastes and concretes. Setting times and normal consistency test were determined on the formulated binder paste. Three grades of concrete (25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2) containing pozzolana were prepared and their workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength investigated against the plain concrete. Concretes with clay pozzolana had delayed setting times and lower densities. They also exhibited a reduction in compressive and tensile strength development at early age (7 days), with an average drop of 6 percent in compressive strength for all grades. However, the compressive and tensile strengths beyond 28 days notably exceeded the control un-blended mixes. This study recommends up to 20% clay pozzolana content of both Types I and II for concrete grades of 25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2.

 

Works and Physical DevelopmentJun 14, 20162015/2016

Bediako, M., Kevern, J. T., & Amankwah, E. O. (2015). Effect of Curing Environment on the Strength Properties of Cement and Cement Extenders. Materials Sciences and Applications, 6, (1), 33 - 39. DOI: 10.4236/msa.2015.61005. http://www.scirp.org/journal/msa .

Abstract
Curing of cement based products such as concrete and mortar, is very important to achieve good strength and durable products. However the curing environment plays a pivotal role in the overall quality of cement based products in terms of strength development. ASTM C192 allows moist curing either in a fog room or under water. However, these must meet ASTM C511 which controls temperature, and specifically for water curing, the concentration of calcium ions in the curing solution. Unfortunately in many parts of the world, water curing literally means curing in tap water. This is done primarily because there is a lack of knowledge or ignorance regarding the mobility and roll of calcium hydroxide in the curing process. To illustrate the differences, in this study, straight ASTM Type I/II Portland cement and that mixed with powdered waste clay bricks as a cement extender were used to prepare two different batches of mortars. The chemical properties of the powdered waste clay brick met the ASTM C618 standard specifications for Class N pozzolans. Both mortar specimens were cured under two different environment comprising of either water and lime saturated water. Mortar specimens were tested for compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days of either curing conditions. Test results indicated that mortar specimens cured in lime saturated water obtained higher strength than those cured in fresh water at all ages of curing. Statistical inference drawn from ANOVA testing showed that curing conditions had significant impact on strength development of the blended and unblended cement systems. The study recommends that testing of concrete and mortar samples and other research related works be performed in lime saturated water other than fresh water.

 

Amankwah, E. O., Bediako, M., & Kankam, C. K. (2014). Influence of calcined clay pozzolana on strength characteristics of Portland cement concrete. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 3, (3), 410 - 419. DOI: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20140306.30. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com . ISSN: 2327-2635

Abstract
The paper presents results of a study on concrete mixes containing two types of calcined clay pozzolanas obtained from Mankranso and Tanoso for structural application. Mankranso sample is labeled Type I whilst Tanoso also labeled as type II. Both clay samples were analysed to determine their physical and geotechnical properties whilst the chemical composition of the calcined clay samples analysed. Portland cement was replaced with 0%-25% Type I and 0-30% of Type II pozzolana to formulate binder pastes and concretes. Setting times and normal consistency test were determined on the formulated binder paste. Three grades of concrete (25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2) containing pozzolana were prepared and their workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength investigated against the plain concrete. Concretes with clay pozzolana had delayed setting times and lower densities. They also exhibited a reduction in compressive and tensile strength development at early age (7days), with an average drop of 6 percent in compressive strength for all grades. However, the compressive and tensile strengths beyond 28 days notably exceeded the control un-blended mixes. This study recommends up to 20% clay pozzolana content of both Types I and II for concrete grades of 25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2.