MODELLING AND OPTIMISATION OF PROPERTIES OF HARDENED  CALCINED CLAY-CALCIUM CARBIDE WASTE-BASED MORTAR USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

oladimeji steven; Mohammed Awwalu Usman; Efe Ewaen Ikponmwosa; Uthman Rasheed Owolabi

doi:10.67358/njt.2026.6319

Authors

Oladimeji A. S. Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria
Usman M. A. Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, NIGERIA
Ikponmwosa E. E. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, NIGERIA
Owolabi R. U. Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, NIGERIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67358/njt.2026.6319

Keywords:

Response Surface Methodology, RSM, Modelling, Optimisation, Multivariable, Pozzolanic reaction

Abstract

The rise in demand for sustainable cementitious materials has driven interest in supplementary binders that use less Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) without sacrificing performance. This study used a Central Composite Design-based Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to model and optimise the properties of hardened mortar containing calcined Ifonyintedo clay (CIC) and calcium carbide waste (CCW) as partial replacements for Portland Limestone Cement (CEM II), capturing the multivariable and interactive effects of hydration and pozzolanic reactions that are not addressed by conventional single-factor experimental methods. The influence of CEM II, CIC, and CCW contents, water–binder ratio, and curing age on compressive strength, density, and water absorption was systematically analysed, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterise hydration products, phase assemblage, and microstructural evolution. Predictive models were developed and experimentally validated, with prediction errors below 5 %. Microstructural and phase analyses confirmed enhanced C–S–H formation and matrix densification at the optimum mix composition of 75.69 weight per cent (wt %) of CEM II, 19.13 wt % of CIC, and 5.20 wt % of CCW, at a water–binder ratio of 0.325. This optimum mix achieved a compressive strength of 39.1 MPa, a density of 2070 kg/m³, and a water absorption of 0.030 at 90 days. The results indicated that the partial replacement of CEMII with CIC–CCW can significantly reduce cement use while maintaining adequate mechanical and durability performance, thereby validating their viability as sustainable cementitious alternatives.

Author Biographies

Usman M. A., Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, NIGERIA

Professor of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba
Ikponmwosa E. E., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, NIGERIA

Professor of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka
Owolabi R. U., Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, NIGERIA

Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka

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