About Us
The Technical Resource Centre for Africa (TRC Africa) is set up at Meru University of Science and Technology in Meru-Kenya. The formation of TRC Africa was realized as a result of the support from Prof. Shashank Bishnoi from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi-India, represented by Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer. TRC Africa supports the uptake of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Being established by the LC3-project, TRC Africa benefits from state-of-the-art knowledge from all LC3-project partners: EPFL in Switzerland and Universidad de las Villa (UCLV), IIT Delhi, IIT Madras and IIT Bombay. Moreover, the TRC Asia and TRC LatAm closely collaborates with the TRC Africa to guarantee the highest possible quality of services.
Our Services
TRC Africa's key objectives revolve around providing comprehensive support to various stakeholders in the production and utilization of LC3, a type of cement incorporating calcined clay. The organization focuses on:
Clay Identification Support
TRC Africa collaborates with companies to identify clay sources suitable for LC3 production. Through geological assessments and analysis, the center helps businesses pinpoint clays that meet the required specifications for optimal LC3 cement production.
Testing and Analysis Services
The organization conducts thorough testing and analysis of identified clays. This process ensures a scientific evaluation of clay suitability, providing cement companies with reliable data to make informed decisions regarding LC3 integration.
Guidance for Calcination Process
TRC Africa guides cement companies through the critical phases of pilot and plant-scale calcination processes. This includes hands-on support and expertise to ensure the proper treatment of clays for LC3 production.
Production Support Assistance
Offering ongoing support, TRC Africa assists cement companies in the actual production of LC3. This includes process optimization, troubleshooting, and quality control measures to enhance efficiency and product consistency.
Staff Development Training Initiatives
TRC Africa conducts specialized training programs for plant and laboratory staff involved in LC3 production and testing. These programs ensure that personnel are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful LC3 integration.
Technology Evaluation for Cement Companies
The center assists cement companies in evaluating potential technologies for calcined clay and LC3 production. This involves assessing the feasibility, efficiency, and compatibility of various technologies within the context of the company’s operations.
Technological Implementation Support
TRC Africa supports cement companies in the implementation of chosen technologies for the production of calcined clay and LC3. This includes technical assistance during the adoption and integration phases.
Concrete Design Proficiency
Offering expertise in concrete design, TRC Africa assists cement, concrete, and construction companies in formulating concrete mixes using LC3. This guidance ensures the development of durable and high-performance concrete structures.
Economic and Environmental Expertise
The center provides in-depth expertise on the economic and environmental implications of producing calcined clay and LC3. This guidance aids companies in making sustainable and economically sound choices in their cement production processes.
Feasibility Evaluation for Other Industries
The center provides technical and economic evaluations for companies considering the feasibility of adopting LC3. This comprehensive analysis assists businesses in making informed decisions about the potential benefits and challenges associated with LC3 integration.
Sustainable Cement Solutions
LC3, an innovative cement incorporating calcined clay, epitomizes sustainability with low carbon, cost-effectiveness, high performance, and scalable solutions for construction.
Low Carbon
Environmentally conscious LC3 minimizes carbon footprint in cement production processes.
Low Capital
Cost-effective LC3 solutions ensure efficient cement production without excessive capital investment.
High Performance
LC3 guarantees superior cement quality and performance for construction applications.
Scalable
LC3 solutions offer scalability, adapting seamlessly from pilot projects to large-scale production.