Optimizing stabilization of laterite as walling unit

Abstract

Purpose Over dependence on river/sea sand as building material has impacted the environment negatively. However, laterite, which is an environment-friendly indigenous building material in sub-Saharan Africa, has been less exploited as a suitable alternative. This paper aims to ascertain the optimum cement–laterite mix proportion at which laterite can be stabilized for production of walling units. Design/methodology/approach Using an experimental method, laterite was collected from three borrow pit sites. Sieve analysis was performed to determine the particle size distribution. Also, the degree of workability of the cement–laterite mix was ascertained using slump test. Compressive strengths were determined at cement stabilization percentages of 3%, 7% and 10% on 12 cubes of100 mm cast and cured for 14 and 28 days, respectively. Findings The results showed that the lateritic soil investigated, achieves its optimum strength in 28 days of curing, at a stabilization level of 10%. An average compressive strength of 2.41 N/mm2, which is 20.5% greater than the target strength, was achieved. Practical implications To meet the desired compressive strength of alternative walling units while achieving environmental sustainability and efficiency in production, cement stabilization of lateritic soils should become a recommended practice by built environment professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. Originality/value This paper is one of the first research works that attempts to determine the optimum level at which the abundant sub-Saharan laterite can be chemically stabilized for the production of non-load bearing walling units. This research promotes an environment-friendly alternative building material to sea sand, river sand and off-shore sand.

Explaining the lower usage rate of indigenous construction materials in Ghanaian public buildings using bounded rationality

“…However, there continues to be preference for such FCMs in Ghana [ 12 ]. One of the strengths of the GCI is that most of the indigenous materials suitable for construction purposes are in abundance [ 1 , 13 ]. Despite this reported ICMs abundance there is heavy dependence on FCMs for building [ 12 , 14 ].…”

Rejuvenating the Market for Earth-Based Building Construction Materials in a Developing Economy

“…Their use in housing production for the economically disadvantaged earners in society has dropped in the last decades, owing to advances in technology and client sophistication. Furthermore, the use of laterite has been relegated to the background, and the few that exist in rural areas are less recognised [17,18]. Furthermore, because of the bias and stigma associated with earthen materials, which associate them with the poor in society, these materials face acceptability issues [3].…”

“…Despite the glaring contribution of earth-based materials in building and engineering applications, they remain largely unextracted and wasted. Issues surrounding their structural viability for use in modern buildings have limited their usage to local areas [18,20]. This has hindered the reaping of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of earth-based materials.…”