The Use of Clay as Pozzolana for Building Purposes in Ghana

Construction generally in Ghana has been experiencing difficulties over the years due to rising cost in construction materials. As has been the case in most developing countries, Portland cement has been the main material used in construction and the situation in Ghana is not different. In Ghana, the cost of Portland cement has increased over 500 percent within the last ten years. This phenomenon has by and large increased construction cost in Ghana. This situation has not generally only affected the construction trends in Ghana but has seriously affected the housing situation in Ghana, especially among the poor. In view of this situation, the Universities and the Research Institutions in Ghana have been urged by policy makers to research into other alternative and cheaper methods of construction materials. It is in line with this policy that let the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to research into the use of clay as Pozzolana for building purposes. The paper will seek to discuss the strength development, water absorption, consistencies and setting times of mortar cubes prepared from_cement with 20 to 30 percent replacement by pozzolana calcined at 700 degrees C and 900 degrees C. It will also present the cost in reduction in the use of Clay as Pozzolana for building purposes as against the use of Portland cement. The lessons learnt so far in some pilot projects in Ghana will be elucidated with the view of enriching experiences for improving similar projects elsewhere especially in developing countries.