Characterizing Madagascar’s Ancestral Walls And Indonesian Laterite For Data-Driven Unfired Brick Design

Solofo Roger Rakotoarisoa, ; Rasoloniaina Antoine Koera; Herry Purnam Rakotosaona, Herry Purnama, Ahmad M. Fuadi

Abstract


Lateritic soils used in Madagascar’s ancestral Tamboho walls offer a lowcarbon route to unfired masonry, yet the chemistry–microstructure–performance links needed for design and conservation remain unclear. This study quantified those links across inner cores and weathered crusts from four Imerina plateau sites by combining bulk oxide analysis (Xray fluorescence), phase and crystallinity identification (Xray diffraction), microstructural imaging and microchemistry (SEM/EDS), and standardized mechanical and physical testing. Inner cores exhibit higher alumina with moderate silica and iron, phase assemblages dominated by kaolinite–gibbsite–quartz with minor Feoxides, and denser fabrics with continuous Al–Sirich films, whereas crusts show uniformly lower oxide contents, relatively stronger gibbsite signatures, and more connected porosity. Cores achieve higher dry unconfined compressive strength (1.61–2.10 MPa) than crusts (1.28–1.46 MPa) and retain 49–64% of strength after 24 h immersion; densities cluster near 1.60 g cm⁻³ for cores versus 1.50 g cm⁻³ for crusts, with porosity and absorption tracking microstructural openness. Regression models link dry strength positively to Fe₂O₃ and Al₂O₃/SiO₂ and relate wetstrength retention to crystallinity and lower porosity, explaining most variance. Collectively, the results define practical formulation windows for unfired laterite bricks and a compact verification suite (XRF/XRD checks plus porosity/absorption and dry/wet strength), and they inform compatible conservation strategies for Tamboho walls while guiding sustainable masonry design in tropical climates.

Keywords


Lateritic soils; Tambohon’ny Ntaolo; Unfired laterite bricks; XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS; Microstructure–property relationships

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v59.2.8750

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rakotoarisoa Solofo Roger, Rasoloniaina Antoine Koera, Herry Purnama, Ahmad M. Fuadi, Rijalalaina Rakotosaona

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