Stone & MineralsAw (Tropical Savanna)Af / Am (Equatorial Monsoon)
Indurated Laterite Dimension Stone (Carved Ferricrete Block)
Pierre de Taille Latéritique / Carrière Rouge
Primary Geographic Coverage: Burkina Faso Benin Senegal Cameroon Central African Republic DR Congo
Compressive Strength
8.5 MPa
Wet yield: 6.8 MPa (Ratio: 80%)Thermal Conductivity (λ)
1.25 W/m·K
Diffusivity: 0.591 mm²/sThermal Phase Lag (30cm)
7.4 hrs
U-Value: 2.38 W/m²·KCarbon vs. Concrete
-94.8%
Embodied: 0.012 kgCO2e/kgSoil Mechanics & Physics
| Soil Classification: | Hardened vesicular iron-aluminum crust (Cuirasse latéritique) |
| Liquid Limit (LL): | 0% |
| Plastic Limit (PL): | 0% |
| Plasticity Index (PI): | 0% |
| Optimum Moisture Content: | % |
| Proctor Dry Density: | 2350 kg/m³ |
Thermal Thermodynamics
| Conductivity (λ): | 1.25 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (c): | 920 J/kg·K |
| Thermal Diffusivity (α): | 0.591 mm²/s |
| Volumetric Heat Capacity: | 2116 kJ/m³·K |
| 30cm Wall U-Value: | 2.38 W/m²·K |
| Phase Delay (30cm Wall): | 7.4 Hours |
Tectonic Specifications & Architectural Engineering
Bioclimatic Engineering Strategy
Extracted soft from the underground water table, laterite irreversibly oxidizes and hardens upon exposure to sunlight and air. Impervious to heavy monsoon rainfall and termite attack.
Mortar Formulation & Stabilization Mix
Hydraulic lime or lean laterite-sand mortar
Curing, Quality Control & Erosion Protection
Academic References & Lab Data Sources
- Lawane, A.; Pantet, A.; Vinceslas, G. Caractérisation géotechnique et mécanique des blocs de latérite taillés du Burkina Faso. MATEC Web of Conf. 2014.
- Lacroix, A. Les latérites de la Guinée et les produits d'altération. Nouvelles Archives du Muséum, 1913.