Laterite

Laterite is a soil layer that is rich in iron oxide and derived from a wide variety of rocks weathering under strongly oxidizing and leaching conditions. It forms in tropical and sub tropical regions where the climate is humid. It is a reddish weathering product of basalt.

Laterites are rusty-red in color because of high iron oxide content.

Laterite is well known in Asian countries as a building material for more than ***0 years. It was excavated from the soil and cut in form of large blocks.

Uses and benefits of laterite

Uses :

·         Used as a building material. Strong, hardened varieties of laterite are sometimes cut into blocks and used as brickstones for building houses.

·         Laterites are economically most important for ore deposits, such as bauxite.

·         Hardened laterite varieties are also applied for the construction of simple roads.

·         Nowadays solid lateritic gravel is readily put in aquaria where it favours the growth of tropical plants.

·         In artifacts, monuments, sculpture, oil and gas reservoir, decoration etc.

·         Laterite- cement blocks are more economical building units for walling units.

Benefits:

·         More economical

·         Durability

·         Strength

·         Sustainability