Investigating the performance of stabilized laterite block as an alternative walling units for Abuja

Abstract

Walling materials are essential element of sustainable housing delivery. It influences a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors in any structure. Nigeria has suffered several building collapse with traumatic outcomes and among the major causes is poor building materials. This work studied the performance of Compressed Laterite Blocks (CLB) and compares it with cement block produced under laboratory conditions as well as those sold by block making industries in Abuja. The objective of this study was to determine the geotechnical properties of the laterite soil types for block making and investigate the performance of the block types. Geotechnical tests were conducted on the laterite samples and they were stabilized at different cement contents (0-8%) and compacted. The performance factors; wet and dry compressive strength, density, water absorption were then determined. A cement content of 6.5% for the stabilized laterite blocks yielded the compressed earth blocks with the most desired characteristics. These characteristic surpasses the ones observed for the standard cement blocks as well as those sold commercially in Abuja. Already computer simulation and modelling is being considered as a faster and cost effective way to determine suitability of laterite soil for block making.