Effect of replacement of lateritic soils with granite fines on the compressive and tensile strengths of laterized concrete

Over the years, research works have been carried out on lateritic soils with a view to investigating their usefulness wholly as a construction material or partly as a substitute for fine aggregate component of concrete. This paper presents the results of investigations carried out on how lateritic soils replaced with varying percentages of granite fines affect the compressive and tensile strengths of laterized concrete. Laterized concrete is concrete in which the fine aggregates is lateritic soil. The results showed that for different mix proportions (1:1:2, 1:1.5:3, 1:2:4 and 1:3:6) maximum compressive strength values were obtained for laterized concrete containing 50% granite fines. Also the addition of granite fines in laterized concrete resulted in a decrease in tensile strength. However, the tensile strengths obtained fall within the range of values (1.44–2.0 N/mm2) given for grade 30 concrete. Therefore, laterized concrete containing granite fines can be used in the construction of buildings and rural infrastructures.