The laterite is loose Fe-rich subsoil rock formed as a result of residual enrichment and precipitation of iron hydroxide and oxide minerals from iron-derived deeper in the profile. This horizon can be composed largely of pisolites, gravel-sized subspherical accretionary concentrations (Ridley, 2013).
How are laterite rocks formed?
Laterites are formed by the decomposition of different kind of rocks, under conditions yielding aluminum and iron hydroxides. The different theories of origin are discussed, as well as the chemical process of laterization, and the geographic distribution of this peculiar type of clay.
Where are laterite rock found?
laterite, 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 subtropical regions where the climate is humid.
What is the use of laterite stone?
In laterite areas where a high level of culture once prevailed, ruins often disclose laterite used as a building stone. Open cisterns, sewers, headwalls, culverts, flagstones, quays, moles, and breakwa- ters of laterite have functioned successfully for hundreds of years.
Is laterite a clay?
Laterite soil consists of clay and iron particles, and characterized by its hardening properties, chemical content and structural evolution. It is porous and soft at high humidity, where exposing it continuously to high ambient temperatures would cause it to harden [11].
Is laterite stone good for construction?
Laterite stone blocks are being used as masonry material for housing construction in Malabar region of western India for ages, because of being abundant, relatively easy to cut and shape and showing good performance in many applications.
What zones are in laterite?
The laterite is composed of two separate distinct mineralized zones characterized by a nickel silicate zone and a residual iron oxide–nickel phase (Fig. 8.3). The silicate zone contains Ni concentrations reaching up to 1.5 wt. % with lateral and vertical variation.
Is laterite soil good for building construction?
As reported by [2] laterite soil is suitable to be used for the construction material, this is because when laterites are dried out, irreversible hardening always occurs. Laterite soil are commonly used as road pavement materials to provide a better sub base, gravel for roads and base materials.
Is laterite stone sustainable?
Laterite, known as ‘green’ or environmental friendly construction materials can easily be re-cycled, have low energy consumption and toxicity in production and applications. Building professionals have the responsibility to ensure that laterite used is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Where can you find laterite soil?
In India, laterite soil is widespread, covering over 10% of the total geographical area, namely on the summits of the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats (Rajamahal Hills, Vindhyas, Satpuras, and Malwa Plateau), southern parts of Maharashtra, parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal Orissa, Jharkhand, Kerala, Assam.
Is laterite soil rich in humus?
The laterite soil develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall. Humus content of the soil is low because most of the microorganisms, particularly the decomposers, like bacteria, get destroyed due to high temperature.
Which type of rock group does laterite belong to?
Saprolites as well as laterites are presently classified as residual rocks which in their part can be seen as an individual rock group.
Is laterite soil found in India?
Laterite soils cover an area of 2.48 lakh sq km.
What are the properties of laterite soil?
Laterite soils are mostly the end products of weathering.
