Viability of lateritic soil as alkaline activated precursor

Abstract

This study investigates the disposal of lateritic soil available in the state of Maranhao, Brazil, to be used as a natural precursor of alkaline activated material. Lateritic soils are formed in the tropics through weathering processes that favour the formation of iron, aluminium and may contain a large amount of quartz and kaolinite. The quality of laterite for this application may vary significantly depending on both geographic location and depth of a quarry. The identification of quarry locals was carried out in this work, together with a disposal volume estimation considering economic issues about exploration techniques. A comparison of the chemical composition of the lateritic soil of the state of Maranhao with those related in the literature is used to outline the feasibility of using this natural material as precursor of alkaline activated cements. It is concluded that the lateritic soil availability, as well as their characteristics, can enable the development of alkaline activated materials as a future local building material and environmentally friendly.