EFFECT OF WASTE ENGINE OIL ON LATERITE RHA/LoPEx STABILISED EARTH BRICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Waste engine oil (WEO), also called used or spent engine oil, has been an environmental menace,
especially in Nigeria. Studies have shown that, it can be used as stabilizer in construction materials, with
promising results. This study was conducted to ascertain the effect of waste engine oil on another promising
type of brick; compressed RHA/LoPEx stabilized laterite brick. The parameters tested for were moisture
absorbance and compressive strength. The results showed that, WEO enhanced, significantly, the water
absorbance. The compressive strength, though also increased proportional to the WEO quantity, but
decreased after adding it beyond about 15% by volume. The study confirmed the high potentials of WEO as
additive in construction materials, and most importantly in non-cement laterite brick production. Hence, it is
recommended that, further research be conducted in addition to disposing WEO as additive in construction
materials.