LATERITE IN CONSTRUCTION: A REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS, PROPERTIES, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Odimegwu Temple Chimuanya

Authors

Odimegwu Temple Chimuanya Alfraganus University Author

Keywords:

stabilisation, compressed earth soil, water absorption, compressive strength, sustainability 1. Introduction In the life of every human race, even from ancient times, shelter has

Abstract

Laterite, a soil and rock type rich in iron and aluminium oxides, has been widely used in construction across tropical regions due to its abundance, workability, and durability. This review consolidates historical, engineering, and modern perspectives on laterite as a building material. Traditional applications include monumental archi- tecture, vernacular housing, and colonial structures, while contemporary uses extend to blocks and bricks, road bases, stabilised earth blocks, and decorative facades. The review examines laterite’s physical and chemical properties, moderate strength, high plasticity, porosity, and oxide-rich composition, which underpin its performance in construction. Stabilisation techniques with lime, cement, and bitumen are dis- cussed as essential for enhancing durability and water resistance. Laterite’s sustain- ability potential is emphasised, as it is locally available, low-carbon, and thermally efficient, aligning with global goals for eco-friendly housing and infrastructure. Chal- lenges such as variability in composition, susceptibility to weathering, and strength limitations are also addressed. Overall, this review highlights laterite’s enduring rele- vance as a construction material, bridging traditional practices with modern sustain- able solutions.

References

Abdul, S., & Lee, L. (1997). Low cost Housing in Malaysia” . Utusan poblication and destribution Sdn. Bhd. kuala Lumpur.

Adam, E. A. (2001). Compressed stabilized Earth Block Manufactured in Sudan,. Graph O ping trance for the UNESCO. http//unisdoc.unesco.org.

Agbede I.O, & Manasseh J. (2008). Use of Cement-Sand Admixture in Laterite Bricks Production for Low Cost Housing. Leonardo Electronic Journal of practices and technologies.

Ahmad, A. B., & Hasmah, A. z. (2012). Urban Housing wnership: Factors influenced the problem faced by the Bumiputera in the District of Johor Bahru, Johor, malaysia.

Ahmade, S. K. (2008). A guide to good quality control practices on asphalt production and construction, (2nd ed). . Cawangan Senggara Fasiliti Jalan, Malaysia.

Ajao, K., Lawal,, A., Onaolapo, N., & Eniayekan, E. (2012). Development And Preliminary testing of a Compressed Laterite Soil Brick Machine. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Akeem, A. R., Olugbenro, O. F., & Kehinde , J. A. (2012). Production and Testing of Lateritic Interlocking Blocks. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries.

Al-Jahdarie et al. (1998). A study of housing situation in the Republic if Yemen.

Arman, A., & Munfakh, G. (1970). Stabilization of Organic Soil with Lime. Engineering Research Bulletin

ASTM C150-94. (n.d.). Standard Specification for Portland Cement. American Society for Testing and Materials, Annual book of ASTM standards. V.

02 construction. Philadelphia, USA.

Balam, E. (2007). Inheritance vs the Formation of Kaolinete during Lateric soil Formation: A Case Study in the Middle Amazon Basin. Clay ans Clay Minerals, p 55, 253-259.

Batcbelder, D., Caiola, R.E., & Davenport, S.W. (1985). A Sourcebook for the Use of Local Materials in Construction. The Experiment in International Living, Brattleboro, Vermont, USA.

Bell, F. (1993). Enginering Treatment of Soil: soil stabilization . E and FN SPON London, UK.

Biology Department of Southwest Texas Junior College. (2004). Thermal Change on Three Blocks Material. Department of Southwest Texas Junior College.

BS 3148. (1980). Methods of test for water for making concrete, (including notes on the suitability of the water.) . British Standard .

BS EN, 12390. –7. (2000). Density of hardend concrete . British Standard Intitution, london, England.

BS EN, 197.-1. (2011). Cement. Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements. British/European Standard.

BS EN, 12390.-3. (2000). Compressive Strength of Testing Specimens. British Standard Institution, London.

BS, 1377. (1990). Method of Testing Soil for Civil Engineering Purposes. British Standard Institution, 2 park Street London.

BS, 1377. Part

(1990). Method of Testing for Soils for Civil Engineering purposes. British Standard Institution, London, England.

BS, 1377. Part 2: section 9.5. (1990). Sedimentation by Hydrometer Method. British Standard Institution, London, UK.

BS, 3148. (1980). Test for Water for making concrete. British Standard, 2Park Street London .

BS, 3921. (1985). Specification for Clay Bricks. British Standard Institution, london, England.

BS, 5930. (1999). Classification of Soil: Code of practice for site investigation. British Standard Institution london, England.

(1973). Specification for Aggregate from Natural Source for Concrete. London British Standard.

BS, 8812. Part

(1990). Testing aggregates. Methods for determination of moisture content. British Standard London.

Chee-Ming, C., & Liang-pin, L. (2010). Development of a Strength Prediction Model for Green Compressed Stabilized Earthbricks. Journal of Sustainable Development.

CIRIA, .. (1995). Laterite in road pavements. Westminster, London. Special publication 47 for TRANSPORT RESEARCH LABORATORY (TRL).

Eades, J., & Grim,, R. (1960.). Reaction of hydrate lime with pure clay minerals in soil stabilization,. Highway Research Board Bulletin

Esther, o., Joseph, E., & Malarizhi, B. (2010). Soil type and different stabilization . Rink school and building construction university, gainesville.

Fadairo, G., & Ogunmakinde, O.E. (2011). Problem and Prospect of good Housing Delivery in Nigeria: A case study of Lagos State. in Ogunsote, O. O et al (Dds) Proceedings Archibuilt 20011, 17- 22 september. Abuja.

Ganssen, R. (1965). Groundsatze der Bodenbilding Hochschultaschensucher,. Bibiographisces lnstitute,Manndeim.

Garber, N. J., & Hoel, L. (2000). Traffic and Highway Engineering, 2nd Edition. Brooks/cole publisheing Company, London.

Gidigasu, M. D. (1976). Laterite soil Engineering. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam.

Gooding, D. .. (1994). Improved Processes for the Production Soil-Cement Building Blocks. . PhD Thesis. University of Warwick. Coventry, England.

Guillaud, H., & Houben, H. (1994). Earth Construction: a Comprehensive Guide. CRATerre-EAG. Itermediate Technology Publications. London, England.

Guillaud, H., Joffroy, T., & Odul, p. (1995). Compressed earth blocks manual of design and construction. A publication of deutsches zentrun fur.

Halid, A., Siti, K. A., & Ismail, A. R. (2013). Compressed Earth Bricks (ICEB) Wall. www.zwgm.org/index.php/construction/article/view/17.

Haselsteiner, R., Hans-George, S., Osan, C., & Bjorn, S. (2005). Laterite soils for Dam Foundation and Dam Cores- Two Case Studies and Typical properties. Ficntner GmbH & Co. KG,renewable Energies & Environment, Sarweystrabe 3, stuttgart.

Hicks, R. (2002). Alaska Soil Stabilization Design Guide.

Houben, j., & Huillaud, R. (1994). Earth material and construction around the world.

ILO/UNIDO. (1984). Small Scal Brickmaking. Technology Series, Memorandum No.6. International Labour Organisation. Geneva, Switzerland.

Ingles, O. (1962). Bonding Forces in Soils. In the First Conference of the Australian Road Research Board. Sydney, Australia.

Isiwu, j. (2012). Performance of Laterite-Cement Block as Walling Units in Relation to sandcrete Block. Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, p

Jayasinghe, C., & Mallawaarachchi, R. S. (2009). Flexural strenght of compressed stabilized earth masonry materials. materials and designs

Kerali, A. G. (2001). Durability of compressed and cement - stabilised building blocks.

Little, D. (1995). Handbook for Stabilization of Pavement Subgrades and Base Courses with Lime. . Kendall/Hunt, Iowa.

Makasa, B. (2004). Utilisation and Improvement of Lateritic Gravels in a road bases,. International Institute for Aerospace survey and Earth Sciences Delft. htt/www.itc.nl.

Morton, T. (2008). Design and consruction guidelines. Bracknell, Berkshire, UK: IHS BRE Press.

MS EN, 197.-1. (2007). Cement Part 1: Composition, Specifications and Coonformity Criteria for Common Cement. Department of Standards Malaysia.

(1972). Specification for Bricks and Blocks of Fired BrickEarth, Clay or Shale. Department of Standard Malaysia.

Nelson, D. J., & Miller , J. (1992). Expensive Soil: Problem and practice in foundation and pavement engineering. Wiley, New York.

Noor Sharipah bt, Sultan Sidi (2011). The Different Scenarios Of Housing Problem In Malaysia. Faculty of Technology Management, Business and Entrepreneurship Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

Norton, J. (1986). Building with Earth. A Handbook. IT Publications Ltd. London, England.

Norton, J. (1997). Building with Earth. London Intermediate Technology Publications.

Oluwole, E. (2011). The Stability and lime Stabilization Requirement of some lateritic soil sample as pavement. Int. J. Pure Apple Sci. Technol.

Onaolapo, A. (2010). Modification and testing of a Laterite-Cement Brick Moulding Machine. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Osinubi, K. J., Ijimdiya, T., & Nmadu, I. (2008). Book of Abstracts of the 2nd international conference on Engineering Research and Development: Innovations (ICER & D 2008).

Quintus, Mallela, P. E., & Smith, K. L. (2004). Considration of Lime-stabilized layers in Mechanistic- Emperical Pavement Design. http/www.training.ce.

Real, R. (2010). Earth Architecture, New York. Princeton Architectural press.

Rigassi, V. (1995). Compressed Earth Block: Manual of production volum

Deutsches Entwicklungstechnologien Zentrum fur- Gate in: Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbe it (GTZ) GmbH in coordination with BASIN.

Rumana, R. (2007). Traditional House of Bangladesh: Typology of House According to Materials and Location.Virtual Conference on Sustainable Archtectural Design and Urban Planning. AsiaSustainabilityNet.upc.edu, September 15-

Salfarina, A., Normalina, M, & Azrina, H. (2010). Trend, Problems and Need of Urban Housing in Malaysia. International Journal of Human and Social Science.

Satprem, m. (2010). Compressed stabilized earth block and stabilized earth technique. Auroville Earth Institute.

Sjostrom, e. a. (1996). Durability of Building Material and Components 7: Prediction, Degradation and Materials. Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Durability of Building Material and Components. 7 DBMC held in Stockholm, Sweden 19-23 may 1996, vol. 1, may 1996. E & FN SPON. London, England.

Solanski, P., Zaman, M., & Hhoury, N. (2009). Engineering properties and moisture sustainability of silty clay stabilized with Lime, class C fly ash, and cement kiln dust. journal of materials in Civil Engineering, v. 21:12, p

Tamakloe, W. (2012). Initiate Research to Promote Use of Local Materials In Building. http:/www.newtimes.com.gh/story/initiate-research-to-promote-use-of-local-materials-in-building.

Venkatarama, R., & Jagadish, K. (1987). Spray Eroson studies on Pressed Soil Blocks. Build Environ, 22 (2): 135-40.

Windstom, B., & Arno, S. (2013). A Report of Contemporary Rammed Earth Contruction and Research in North America. North American Rammed Earth Building Association (NAREBA) and Earth Dwell Ltd., Port Townsend WA 98368, USA.

LATERITE IN CONSTRUCTION: A REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS, PROPERTIES, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Authors

Keywords:

Abstract

References

Downloads

Published

Issue

Section

License