An Exploratory Study on the Application of Locust Bean Pod Extract as a Natural Binder in the Manufacture of Laterite Blocks for Affordable Housing Construction

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 36 45
    By

    Musa H.L,

  • Saleh Y.M.,

  • Tukur M.B.,

  • Buhari, G.,

  • Kauthar A.M.,

  1. Senior lecturer, Department of Building Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria
  2. Senior lecturer, Department of Building Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria
  3. Senior lecturer, Department of Building Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria
  4. Senior lecturer, Department of Building Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria
  5. Senior lecturer, Department of Building Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the potential application of locust bean pod extract as an alternative binding
material in the production of laterite blocks for local building construction. It also examines the
availability and distribution of locust bean pod resources across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Locust bean pods are typically treated as agricultural waste and discarded after the seeds are removed,
creating an opportunity to convert this underutilized by-product into a valuable construction material.
Oral interview with a local builder and visitation to some local houses in Zaria city that were built with
laterite soil stabilized with Makuba was carried out. Mud bricks were also casted locally using the soil
mixed with Makuba. Finally informations from the internet and those obtained from the departments of
Geography and Biological sciences, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria were incorporated to obtain the
geographical distribution of the plant Parkia biglobosa in Nigeria. The research revealed that Makuba
has a long history of use as a soil stabilizer in local building constructions. It also revealed that
buildings constructed using Makuba tend to be strong, rigid and last for many years with or without
routine maintainace. Makuba is second to none when compared with other local materials used as soil
binders particularly on soils used for plastering of walls roof and floor linings. This is attributed to the
ability of Makuba to enhance the water resistance of the soil and to protect the plaster surface from
termite infestation.

Keywords: Palm kernel, compressive strength, concrete, coarse aggregate

[This article belongs to Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering ]

How to cite this article:
Musa H.L, Saleh Y.M., Tukur M.B., Buhari, G., Kauthar A.M.. An Exploratory Study on the Application of Locust Bean Pod Extract as a Natural Binder in the Manufacture of Laterite Blocks for Affordable Housing Construction. Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering. 2026; 13(01):36-45.
How to cite this URL:
Musa H.L, Saleh Y.M., Tukur M.B., Buhari, G., Kauthar A.M.. An Exploratory Study on the Application of Locust Bean Pod Extract as a Natural Binder in the Manufacture of Laterite Blocks for Affordable Housing Construction. Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering. 2026; 13(01):36-45. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joise/article=2026/view=239071


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 21/01/2026
Accepted 05/03/2026
Published 09/03/2026
Publication Time 47 Days
138

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