Characterization of material for cement production in Mbuji-Mayi area (DR Congo)

Although the City of Mbuji-Mayi (DR Congo) is rich in limestone and clay deposits, cement and other building materials are still being imported sometimes by plane from Kinshasa, Zambia and Tanzania. A consequence of this situation is low consumption of cement and concrete (less than 1kg per capita) and a lack of modern and sustainable infrastructures. Our study provides a qualitative assessment of all cement raw materials available in the region, including limestone and clay in order to produce hydraulic binder with optimized technical and environmental performances. Chemical and mineralogical characterizations were done using XRF spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermal analysis, electron microscopy, and mechanical characterizations are planned to assess the performance of the concrete and mortar manufactured with the binder produced. Finally, the ultimate goal is to produce a local hydraulic binder whose physical and mechanical characteristics are similar to those of Portland cement, but whose production is expected to consume less energy and emit less CO2.