Many Indian states, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, have adopted the use of laterite bricks extensively. These locally sourced materials not only meet ecological standards but are also cost-effective. If you’re interested in integrating laterite bricks into your project, consulting this article will provide valuable insights into their benefits, drawbacks, and applications.
The core principle of sustainable construction emphasizes using local materials whenever feasible. This approach effectively minimizes additional costs associated with energy consumption and transportation. Laterite, commonly found in tropical regions, serves as a frequent choice for both residential and commercial constructions throughout India.
Laterite Bricks
In India, laterite bricks have established themselves as a favored building material, enduring in popularity for centuries. The extensive availability of laterite soil contributes significantly to their strength and resilience. The characteristic reddish-brown color of these bricks results from the rich iron and aluminum oxide content found in the laterite soil.
One of the standout advantages of laterite bricks is their affordability. They emerge as a favorable option for budget-friendly housing projects, primarily because their cost is comparatively lower than that of many other building materials. Additionally, since they are produced locally from available soil, their usage promotes eco-friendliness by lessening transportation requirements and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The pricing of laterite bricks in India can vary based on several factors such as the supplier, location, and size of the bricks. Generally, prices fall within the range of Rs 30 to Rs 64 per piece.
However, it's pertinent to note that due to their water absorption characteristics, laterite bricks may not be suitable for regions receiving high rainfall. Conversely, they excel in dry climates.
How are Bricks Made from Laterite?
The process of creating laterite bricks incorporates several steps:
Finding Laterite Deposits: Laterite deposits are primarily located in tropical areas with substantial rainfall. Noteworthy Indian states rich in laterite resources include Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, extending to hilly regions in Orissa and Assam.
Quarrying: Quarrying operations commence once a suitable deposit of laterite is identified. This involves removing the topsoil using heavy machinery to access the laterite layer while minimizing damage to the raw material.
Excavation: The excavation process employs backhoes and excavators to carefully extract laterite in layers, aiming to reduce waste and maintain brick quality.
Sorting and Drying: The harvested laterite is sorted mainly by size and quality, discarding any broken or oversized pieces. Subsequently, the bricks are dried naturally under sunlight to lower their moisture content.
Curing and Shaping: A press, whether manual or mechanical, shapes the dried laterite into bricks, which are then stacked and cured over a designated period to enhance durability.
Why Use Laterite Bricks?
Due to their numerous benefits, laterite bricks are heavily utilized in construction across India. Key advantages include:
Thermal Insulation: Laterite, being a natural stone, acts as an efficient insulator, cooling homes during summer months, especially beneficial in warm climates. Its ability to regulate temperature variations proves advantageous.
Affordability: As laterite is usually sourced locally, it eliminates costly transportation needs. This aspect, combined with the simplicity of their production process, allows laterite bricks to remain more economical compared to other materials. Also, since laterite bricks are often larger than standard bricks, fewer units are needed. The typical dimensions are approximately 190x90x90 mm for regular bricks versus 300x200x150 mm for laterite bricks.
Durability: The manufacturing process of laterite bricks captures environmentally responsible practices. As they are produced on-site, they contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping to lower the overall carbon footprint.
Resiliency: Notably durable, laterite bricks can withstand severe weather, maintaining their integrity over time.
Not Prone to Fire: With exemplary fire resistance, laterite bricks serve as a safe building material. Their capacity to endure high temperatures offers added protection for both structures and their occupants.