A Comparative Study of Cement and Lime Stabilized Lateritic Interlocking Blocks

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a comparative study of cement and lime stabilized lateritic interlocking blocks produced with laterite samples from the Olomi area in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The stabilizing agents were added at 5%, 10% 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight replacement levels. The blocks were tested for compressive strengths, water absorption, and resistance to abrasion. The results showed that average dry compressive strength at 28 days for cement stabilized blocks at 5%, 10% 15%, 20%, and 25% stabilization were 1.63 N/mm2 , 2.60 N/mm2 , 2.78 N/mm2 , 2.82 N/mm2 , and 3.12 N/mm2 , respectively, while those of lime stabilized blocks were 0.92 N/mm2 , 1.25 N/mm2 , 1.15 N/mm2 , 1.06 N/mm2, and 0.94 N/mm2 , respectively. The Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI, 2006) specified that the minimum 28 days strength should not be lower than 2N/mm2 . Only cement stabilized blocks satisfied this requirement at 10% and above stabilization level. It was concluded that cement stabilized interlocking blocks are of better quality and cheaper than those stabilized with lime.