Experimental evaluation of limestone, calcined clay and cement (lc3) using limestone, calcined laterite, kaolin, sand and rice husk ash (rha)

This study examines traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) made from limestone, calcined laterite, kaolin, sand, and rice husk ash (RHA). The rice husk was obtained from a small-scale rice factory in Ejisu, Ghana. The materials were processed in the lab using pyrolysis to calcine the limestone at 900°C, the rice husks at 500 to 700°C, and the laterite at 500 to 700°C. After the samples were molded and cured for 28 days, physical tests such as compressive strength, XRD, XRF, and water absorption were conducted on the samples to determine their suitability for cement production. The purpose of using these materials as SCMs is to reduce CO₂ emissions from cement production, partially replace cement, and lower construction costs, providing substantial advantages to suppliers, contractors, and engineers.