Use of Laterite as a sustainable building material in developing countries

Abstract

Utilisation of local materials is an important step to sustainable construction to reduce transportation cost, save embodied energy, and protect the environment. This paper advocates the use of local laterite-a soil type rich in iron and alumina formed under hot and wet tropical conditions-due to its cost effectiveness and energy efficiency than that of conventional modern materials in tropical developing countries. This paper summarizes the occurrence and characteristics of laterite and then highlights the need for developing universal database of properties and standard testing protocols to facilitate evaluation and extensive use laterite in building applications. Understanding of properties and potential challenges of using this material will benefit for the development of suitable strategies/techniques for sustainable construction. Overall, this study identifies various factors that should be considered for efficient utilization and managements of laterite in construction to meet the growing demand of new housing and infrastructural in different regions of developing tropical world. © 2014 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.