Evaluation of Laterised Brick Production Using Local Materials in Osun State: Mechanical and Durability Properties

This study evaluates the mechanical and durability properties of compressed laterite bricks produced using laterite soil from Osun State, South West Nigeria, stabilised with varying proportions of cement and lime. Laterite bricks represent an established low-cost building material in Nigeria, yet their performance characteristics are highly dependent on the source material quality and stabilisation regime, necessitating site-specific characterisation. Laterite soil is obtained from three borrow pit locations in Ikirun, Ede, and Iwo. Stabiliser content is varied at 5, 8, 10, and 12 percent cement and 4 and 8 percent lime added separately. Bricks are produced by static compression at 4 MPa and cured under damp hessian for 28 days. Compressive strength, water absorption, durability under wet-dry cycling, and efflorescence rating are assessed. Proctor compaction test data are used to determine the optimum moisture content for each stabilisation regime. Findings indicate that 10 percent cement stabilisation produces bricks meeting NIS 87 minimum compressive strength of 2.5 MPa for load-bearing applications, while cement-lime combinations at 8 percent cement and 4 percent lime achieve equivalent strength with reduced cement consumption. Durability under wet-dry cycling is significantly better for cement-stabilised specimens. The study recommends cement-stabilised laterite bricks as a viable substitute for fired clay bricks in low-rise construction in Osun State. Keywords: laterite brick, stabilisation, compressive strength, durability, Osun State.