Laterite soil-cement blocks modified using natural rubber latex: Assessment of its properties and performance

This paper reports the influence of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) on properties of laterite soil-cement blocks. Optimum cement content for stabilization was determined as 8% by weight of soil by evaluating the critical determinates like compressive strength and weathering resistance. Subsequently, physical, mechanical, durability and thermal properties of laterite soil-cement blocks with varying NRL proportions (1-5% by weight of water) were analyzed. Addition of NRL displayed an enhancement in physical and thermal properties. Improvement in mechanical and durability properties were observed at lower proportions of NRL. An optimum NRL content of 2.5% is recommended for better strength and durability characteristics. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.