EFFECTS OF GUM ARABIC AS STABILIZER ON THE STRENGTH AND DURABILITY OF LATERITIC BRICKS OF VARYING PARTICLE SIZES OF FINE AGGREGATES

Abstract

In mitigating environmental challenges associated with the construction of buildings, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) recommends the use of lateritic bricks due to it's cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability. However, laterite soils use for lateritic bricks lack strength and durability. To improve the properties of the laterite soil, gum arabic is introduced. The objective of the study is to determine the suitability of gum arabic as stabilizer on the strength and durability of lateritic bricks of varying particle sizes. Experimental research method was adopted for the study. The particle size distribution of the laterite soil was classified from 75µm-600µm, and 1.18mm- 4.76mm. Also, the content of the gum arabic was proportioned from the range of 0% to 30% partial replacement. Sample bricks were produced and tested at 14, 21 and 28 days curing period. The data collected from the results of the laboratory experiments was analysed using bar charts. The results showed that, particle size distributions for grading fine aggregate suitable for compressed stabilised earth bricks (CSEB) was found to be 1.18mm-4.76mm considering it high compressive strength properties, low permeability and high durability properties at 28 days curing period. The optimum mix proportion of Gum Arabic as organic stabilizer for compressed stabilised earth bricks (CSEB) was found to be at 20% partial replacement of Gum Arabic. It was concluded that Gum Arabic has more positive impacts on the engineering properties of compressed stabilised earth bricks CSEBs made from particle sizes between 1.18mm-4.76mm, when compared with particle sizes between 75µm-600µm. it was recommended that, when selecting eco-friendly bricks for construction of buildings, Gum Arabic based Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks (GA-based CSEBs), should be utilised considering its high strength, and durability for particle size ˃ 600µm.