Performance evaluation of mortars and concretes produced from major cement brands in Botswana

This study comparatively evaluated the quality, performance and utilization limits of three locally manufactured cement brands in Botswana using the laboratory experiments conducted on mortar and concrete specimens produced from the brands. The study identified the physical characteristics of three cement brands designated A, B and C, as well as the strength and durability of the concrete and mortar produced from such cements under varying operational and exposure conditions to establish a limit of application for each cement considered. The physical tests performed on cement were loss on ignition (LOI) and particle size distribution. Compressive strength test and the resistance to carbonate and sulphate attack were investigated on concrete and mortar. Cement type A had similar physical characteristics to C but proved to be the most workable compared to the other cements. It however produced the lowest strength in both concrete and mortar but showed desirable durability limits. Durability assessment of the cement-based products found cement type B as the best with the most desirable physical properties. Cement type B gave the highest strength in concrete, while cement type C was found to be the most suitable for mortar.