Interlocking Stabilised Laterite Bricks as an Alternative to Sandcrete Blocks

Building materials consume up to 60 per cent of building construction cost. That means cutting down the cost of building materials can effectively reduce the total cost of constructing a house. One way to reduce construction cost is to use locally available and easily accessible materials instead of imported conventional building materials. 

 

This article will discuss interlocking stabilised compressed laterite bricks as an alternative to sandcrete blocks and fired clay in house constructions in Nigeria.

Interlocking Stabilised Compressed Earth Bricks (ISCEB) is a suitable replacement for sandcrete blocks and burnt bricks in house constructions. Follow as we consider the cost-saving potential, applicability, and sustainability of interlocking stabilised laterite bricks (red bricks).

Advantages of Interlocking Stabilised Laterite Bricks

Some key factors to consider when selecting building materials include 

• material costs
• mechanical properties (strength and durability)
• speed and ease of construction
• social requirements such as aesthetic characteristics and thermal comfort
• and the level of willingness of respondents to use the selected materials for future projects.

Cost Saving Potential of Interlocking Stabilised Laterite Bricks

Using interlocking stabilised laterite bricks for wall construction can cut overall construction cost by 30%-47% compared to conventional sandcrete blocks and burnt bricks. The production process involves 

• soil preparation
• preparing the soil-cement-water mix
• compression of the mix 
• stacking and curing of the bricks.

Speed and Ease of Construction

Interlocking masonry for wall construction can reduce construction time by 30 per cent compared to conventional masonry because of the ease of setting interlocking bricks. Also, it is easier to align and plumb the wall as the bricks automatically inter-aligned.

Structural Stability of Stabilised Laterite Bricks

Hollow interlocking stabilised laterite bricks allow for the embedding of columns in the bricks. That attribute helps to distribute the load on the walls and enhances the load-bearing capacity of the bricks.

The Durability of Interlocking Stabilised Compressed Earth Bricks

Compressed stabilised laterite interlocking bricks are very durable as long as they are coated with waterproofing solvents. Laterite bricks are fire resistant and bulletproof.

Studies show that stabilising ISCEB with little cement increases its strength and durability over conventional blocks and unfired bricks.

Wood Saving Potential of Interlocking Stabilised Laterite Bricks

There are special channel bricks for constructing counter-yards, beams, and lintels without using wood. Also, the hollow in the bricks enables the construction of hidden columns within the walls. All these reduce the wood requirement by up to 50%.

Mortar Saving Potential of Interlocking Stabilised Compressed Earth Bricks

Unlike most other building materials, stabilised interlocking red bricks require little to no mortar for bonding. The bricks come with a pair of male and female interlocking grooves that locks the bricks in perfect plumb alignment, thereby requiring very little cement for laying.

Environmentally Friendly

The production of burnt clay bricks and sandcrete blocks harm the environment. But the curing process for laterite bricks is friendly to the environment as it only requires covering them with tarpaulin and waterproof devices. Interlocking red brick structures are easy to demolish, and the bricks are reusable/recyclable.

Savings in Cost of Finishing

Unlike other conventional building materials, interlocking stabilised laterite bricks need neither plastering nor painting. They only require a thin layer of waterproofing coat because they already have a beautiful finish, similar to brick tiles. The laying of decorative tiles requires no special preparations.

Potential Waste Reduction of ISCEB

Construction usually generates high amounts of debris and dust that make construction sites not so attractive and cost more money to clear. ISCEBs come in various sizes and shapes for specific purposes that eliminate the need to break the bricks. That effectively reduces waste and makes for a neat, debris-free site.

Soundproofing and Bulletproofing Property of Stabilised Red Bricks

Earth packed in bags has always been used for bulletproof, particularly in military posts. Stabilised laterite (red) bricks are made of compressed mud and are usually very dense, making them bulletproof. The density of ISCEBs also helps with sound insulation in the walls, which reduces the rate at which street noise gets inside the house.

Thermal Insulation and Moisture Protection

The internal temperature of a house constructed with interlocking red bricks is usually different from the external temperature. That's because the density of the bricks helps to regulate the temperature of the house. What that means is that your home will remain cool on intensely hot days and warmer in cold weather. 

Interlocking bricks also enable air evaporation which prevents moisture formation on the interior walls of the building.

Electrical and Plumbing Works

Special bricks for electrical and plumbing purposes allows the embedding of all electrical installations and pipes. That eliminates the need for breaking of walls as in conventional masonry. As a result, the bricks retain their aesthetic property, and the reduction of waste ultimately leads to cost-saving.

Aesthetic Appeal and Uniqueness

Structures constructed with interlocking stabilised compressed red bricks are naturally beautiful and unique. Furthermore, such buildings often cost less to maintain as they retain their beauty for life.

Fire, Mould and Insect Resistance

Earthen walls are known to be non-inflammable. ISCEB walls are very dense and do not contain any cellulose material that could house mould, reducing the likelihood of insect penetration.

Savings in Transportation

Interlocking red bricks are usually made on-site with the laterites found on the construction site, thereby eliminating the cost of transporting materials.

Disadvantages of Red Bricks

• The manufacture of interlocking red bricks may be time-consuming due to the curing period.
• Bricks are known to absorb water which can cause fluorescence when not exposed to air. Applying waterproofing coatings on the brick walls can help reduce water absorption.
• Ordinary clay has low strength. However, stabilising it with little cement is shown to increase the strength and durability of ISCEB over conventional blocks and unfired bricks.
• Rough surfaces of bricks may cause mould to grow if not properly cleaned. Bricks made from properly mixed cement stabilised laterite usually come with smooth surfaces and do not have this problem.
• The colour of low-quality bricks can change when exposed to the sun for long periods.