| Summary: | The production and testing of lateritic interlocking blocks were examined. The
experiments involved the production of 250 × 130 × 220 mm3 interlocking blocks with laterite
samples obtained from Aroje (Ogbomoso North L.G), Olomi (Ogbomoso South L.G), Idioro
(Surulere L.G) and Tewure (Orire L.G) using a locally fabricated manual steel mould and a 4.5
kg rammer. The blocks were tested in the laboratory to determine their compressive strength,
water absorption and resistance to abrasion. The results indicated that all of the stabilised
blocks satisfied the minimum 28 day wet compressive strength of 1.0 Nmm–2 recommended
by the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute. The minimum seven day dry
compressive strength for 5% cement stabilised blocks of not less than 1.60 Nmm–2, as
recommended in the National Building Code, was not satisfied by all of the blocks. However,
with 10% cement stabilisation, blocks from Olomi and Idioro laterites satisfied the minimum
seven day strength with values of 2.13 Nmm–2 and 1.62 Nmm–2, respectively. Only laterites
from Olomi and Idioro that met the minimum seven day requirements were concluded to be
suitable for the production of interlocking blocks in southwestern Nigeria.
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