‘FG Approves Lafarge Africa’s Roadcem for Use’

Bennett Oghifo

Lafarge Africa Plc said the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has approved the use of its road cement brand Roadcem road construction. 

“The product, which is environmentally friendly, increases the strength and bearing capacity of the roads, reduces the thickness of the pavement structure and modifies the chemical and mineral structure of soil materials,” said Lafarge Africa in a statement.

“In Nigeria, there is high variability in the quality of soil that is available across the country. The use of traditional methods of excavating, placing and compacting soil makes it challenging to achieve uniform quality. With Roadcem, Lafarge Africa has provided a soil stabilization product that helps to improve the characteristics of soils before they are used for the base, sub-base or sub-grade construction. This product has proven to be very effective on several projects and ensures sub-base/base improvement, less breakdown of the road, long-term durability and cost savings.”

Lafarge’s RoadCem is produced by inter-grinding cement clinker with a controlled amount of limestone and chemical additives. Roadcem provides better volume stability by controlling swell and shrinkage, and providing better durability while allowing the stabilized layer to achieve long-term strength.

The statement quoted Engr. Osita Ezedozie, the Director of Highways (Materials, Geotechnics & Quality Control), of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to have said: “Following the improved performance observed from the tests, pilot study and evaluation of Roadcem over Ordinary Portland Cement in soil (sharp sand) stabilization, approval has been granted for the introduction and use of Roadcem for stabilization of soil (sharp sand) in highway pavement sub-base course construction. At 5.0% Roadcem content, the stabilized sharp sand complies with all the specification requirements for a sub-base course and also achieves higher stability at a lower cost than stabilization with ordinary Portland cement.”

Lafarge Africa has been at the forefront of providing innovative and sustainable building solutions which underscores its sustainability leadership within its operating environment. With its innovative products and solutions, Lafarge Africa creates value for its customers and serves Nigeria with a wide range of building and construction solutions designed to meet housing and construction needs from small projects like individual home buildings to major infrastructure and construction projects.

Lafarge Africa is proud to have achieved this feat and to contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure within Nigeria.