Moisture condition on Strength of Laterite Stone for Non-binding Material Construction

Abstract

This study reported the engineering property of laterite brick for ancient structure construction without using of cementing mortar. Natural laterite brick from Phonnakaew district, Sakhon Nakhon province was used and tested for engineering strength with varied moisture condition. The result shown increasing of moisture from air dried to wet condition affected the increment of unit weight and reduction of brick strength. In wet condition, highest unit weight of 2769 kg/m³, lowest compressive strength, modulus of rupture and shear strength of 53, 2, and 13 ksc and static friction coefficient of 0.56 were presented respectively. Those of critical strength values in wet condition are relate to practical using and safety design of laterite brick.