Abstract

Some index property tests which include natural moisture content, sieve analysis, specific gravity, compaction, Atterberg limits were carried out on the laterite sample for the purpose of identification and classification. Twenty blocks of size 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm of coir reinforced laterite were moulded at coir content of 0, 0.063, 0.125, 0.188 and 0.25% by mass of the laterite respectively, and they were cured in the laboratory under atmospheric conditions. These blocks were subjected to compressive strength test at the curing ages of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days respectively. Five blocks were tested for each mix at each curing age, making a total of one hundred blocks. It was found that the 28 days compressive strength of the coir reinforced laterite blocks were 2.11, 2.18, 2.18 and 2.26 N/mm² for 0.063, 0.125, 0.188 and 0.25% coir content respectively. The determined strengths of coir reinforced laterite blocks are higher than those for ordinary laterite blocks.

Key words: Buildings, coir, compressive strength, laterite blocks.