Geological evaluation of black shale as a suitable Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) to optimize the use of clinker in cement production
Samuel Nunoo,
Theresa A. Owusu-Sasu,
Prince O. Amponsah,
Francis Achampong,
Mahamuda Abu,
Eric D. Forson,
Edward K. Ackom,
Remi Touvet,
Peter Dickson,
Larry P. Chegbeleh
Affiliations
Samuel Nunoo
Department of Earth Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana
Theresa A. Owusu-Sasu
Department of Earth Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana; Continental Blue Investment (CBI) Ghana Ltd, P.O. Box CT 8140, Cantonment, Ghana
Prince O. Amponsah
Department of Earth Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana; Corresponding author.
Francis Achampong
Department of Earth Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana
Mahamuda Abu
Department of Geological Engineering, School of Engineering, University for Development Studies, P. O. Box 1882, Nyankpala, Tamale, Ghana
Eric D. Forson
Department of Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O.Box LG 63, Legon, Ghana
Edward K. Ackom
Department of Earth Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana
Department of Earth Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana
Faced with challenges like resource depletion and climate change, the cement industry needs sustainable solutions. This study explores the potential of geologically-delinaeated black shale from Apersua, Ghana, as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to reduce reliance on traditional methods. The researchers analysed the shale's chemical composition and mineralogy, then created laboratory cement formulations with varying black shale content. These were compared to standard formulations without shale. The results show cement with black shale has comparable compressive strength, meeting standard requirements. Even a formulation with only black shale (excluding limestone, a common ingredient) passed strength tests. Overall, the black shale demonstrated good potential as a SCM based on strength, chemical makeup, setting time, and its possible contribution to durability. This research suggests that black shales from Apersua are worth exploring further as a sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative in cement production.
