Comparative effects of the characteristic of properties of compressed laterite earth brick stabilized with palm leaf ash and palm kernel fibre

Abstract

This study is designed to compare the effects of the characteristics properties of compressed laterite earth brick stabilized with palm leaf ash (PLA) and palm kernel fibre (PKF). The study carried out in Building Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, bricks of 222x110x70 were produced using manual pressed machine which 12 bricks each were stabilized with palm kernel fiber for 1%, 2% and 3%. Also 12 bricks were stabilized with pal leaf ash for each percent 5%, 10%, and 15%. The materials used are Palm Kernel fiber, pal leaf ash laterite soil and water. The tests carried out are specific gravity and compressive strength test. The findings showed that the specific gravity of the laterite ranging from 2.78 to 2.75 which is within the specification of Nigeria building and road research institute NBRRI of 2.7 to 3.0. the 28 days compressive strength of the compressed laterite brick stabilized with PKF recorded average strength of 2.04 Nmm2 at 1%, 2.0 Nmm2 at 2% and 2.26 Nmm2 at 3%. They all conformed to NBRRI 2006 specification of 1.65 Nmm2, while the 28 day compressive strength of compressed laterite bricks stabilized with PLA recorded average strength of 1.72 Nmm2 at 5%, 1.79 Nmm2 at 10% and 1.81 Nmm2 at 15%. All are in conformity with NBRRI 2006 specification of 1.65 Nmm2. The bricks stabilized with PFK produced higher compressive strength compared with the bricks stabilized with PLA. Therefore, compressed laterite earth bricks stabilized with PKF and PLA can be used for walling materials in order to reduce the cost of building.