Improving the Properties of Laterite Bricks With Palm Nut Fibre and Lime for Housing Application

Abstract

The high cost of cement and sand has called for research into the use of alternative low‐cost building construction materials, such as laterite, for producing bricks and blocks for housing. The aim of the study is to investigate the engineering properties of lateritic bricks that are stabilised with palm nut fibre (PNF) and lime for housing applications. Laterite, 5% lime constant, and PNF of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1% by weight of laterite were used for preparing the bricks, and their properties were assessed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of curing. About 1% PNF and 5% lime at 28‐day curing achieved the highest compressive strength of 2.328 N/mm2 as compared with the control brick strength of 1.022 N/mm2, representing a strength increase of 127.8% as compared with the control. The maximum tensile strength of 0.514 N/mm2 was achieved by 1% PNF and 5% lime at 28‐day curing as compared with 0.206 N/mm2 control, which represents 149.5% improved strength. It was found that the higher the fibre content and lime in the brick specimen, the lesser the water absorption. The abrasion resistance of the brick specimens increases with an increase in fibre content. The study concludes that PNF and lime inclusion in lateritic bricks improves the properties of the blocks. About 1% PNF and 5% lime are recommended for use in manufacturing laterite brick for housing applications.