Physical properties, microstructure and mineralogy of termite mound material considered as construction materials

Y. Millogo, M. Hajjaji, J. C. Morel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mineralogy, microstructure and physical characteristics (granulometry, Atterberg limits, porosity, shrinkage, compressive and bending strengths) of a termite mound were investigated. For the two first studies, X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry were used. Results showed that the mound consisted of quartz, kaolinite and K-feldspar (76, 21 and 3. wt.% respectively) as well as organic matter. Kaolinite and organic matter played the roles of a mortar and surface coat, respectively. It is believed that termites transformed K-feldspar into kaolinite and synthesized organo-metal complexes. The magnitudes of porosity and mechanical strength were comparable with those of adobe bricks, and because of the absence of swelling clay minerals and abundance of quartz, shrinkage was much lower.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160-164
Number of pages5
JournalApplied Clay Science
Volume52
Issue number1-2
Early online date22 Feb 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Burkina Faso
  • Microstructure characterization
  • Mineralogy
  • Physical properties
  • Termite mound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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