Mechanical Performance and Physico-Chemical Properties of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Malawi

Malawi is one of the least-developed countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with disaster-prone housing infrastructure characterized by poor construction materials. Therefore, there a need to provide resilient and cost-effective materials, such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). However, exploitation LC3 limited due lack mineralogical information about clays related strength durability when used cementitious material. In this study, physico-chemical properties systems 50% 40% clinker contents (LC3-50 LC3-40) were investigated. Cement mortar specimens prepared at water (w/c) ratios 0.45, 0.5, 0.6 varying (CC) (CC/LS) (1:1, 2:1, 3:1). The effects CC/LS ratio on fresh properties, strength, results showed that Portland replacement levels (LC3-40) exhibited higher standard consistency (up 45%) than LC3-50, porosity range 8.3–13.3%, maximum uptake 3.8–10.9%. On other hand, LC3-50 samples offered highest approximately 40 MPa, complying requirements for pozzolanic whereas LC3-40 conforms masonry cements. This work shows can be manufactured local available Malawi, sustainable material mitigate carbon emissions well boost economy.