An Investigation Into The Effect Of Mixtures Of Lateritic-Cement And Other Naturally Occurring Materials For The Production Of Building Bricks

Abstract

The behaviour of the laterite-cement, shale, and limedust when mixed in proportions to mould bricks under natural conditions and the improvement of structural properties of laterite for wider and more economical usage as construction material were investigated. Shale was found to be a very poor soil stabilizer because it reduces even the physical quality or property of the original lateritic soil. With limedust little or no improvement was observed better than if only laterite has been used to make bricks. It is found however, that using laterite stabilized with very little cement (that is 5 to 20% cement) gives strong, durable and relatively cheap bricks that can either be used for non-load bearing walls or load bearing walls.

Key words: laterite-cement, limedust, structural properties, bricks

Nig. J. of Pure & Appl. Physics Vol.3 2004: 45-51