Global view of lateritic soil improvement for construction purposes in tropical countries

Abstract

Minerals and metals are valuable and the backbone of a country’s economic growth. These natural resources are being non-renewable. They constitute a vital role for the construction, manufacturing, and energy industries. Raw materials contribute more to manufacturing sectors and sustainable development. Sustainable mineral development aims to ensure environmental protection, economic value. There are more job opportunities for the public and also revenue generates for the country's economic growth. Further, public facilities will also be available. Laterite remains one of the most natural resources which is used as building materials in Mangalore and Udupi coastal areas. Lateritic soil is generally associated with clay contents, sand, and gravel as part of laterite soil. Lateritic rocks are formedthrough chemical weathering and oxidation majorly occurs in ferrous rocks containing iron. The iron contents in these rocks react with the oxygen in the atmosphere resulting in the formation of iron oxide and rusting the rocks from within. The laterite soils are the alternating building material for the construction, especially in Mangalore and Udupi coastal areas and as well as in rural areas and also in suburban houses in tropical. Lateritic soil is an emerging alternative material with different building stones. Since many years laterite has been used as a raw material to construct buildings, especially in Mangalore and Udupi coastal areas. The stable soil-based materials are eco-friendly. In laterite aluminum, Iron oxides, Kaolinite are dominant and also with small quantities of clay and illite present in laterite. This research work aims to support lateritic soil enhancement for construction purposes in tropical coastal areas. This will be discussed through various contents especially the origin of laterite, lateritic structure, chemical composition, physical properties, and also the strength of lateritic soils. This helps the construction community improve the properties laterite-based products.