21/05/2026
CUSAT Granted patent for Sustainable Building Block Technology
Kochi: Researchers from CUSAT have secured a patent for a new sustainable construction material, “Post-Curing Alkali Activated Fiber Reinforced Lateritic Soil Building Blocks,” focusing on Sustainable construction practises.This invention presents a novel method to boost the strength and durability of fiber-reinforced lateritic soil blocks. Unlike conventional techniques that mix concentrated alkaline solutions directly during block preparation, the new process applies alkali activation only after the blocks are cured. The cured blocks are immersed in a controlled alkaline solution and then subjected to heat or ambient curing.
Tests of the process showed marked gains in compressive strength, lower water absorption, and no efflorescence. Developers also note improved field applicability and enhanced labor safety, as workers avoid direct handling of caustic alkali during mixing. The technology promotes Sustainable construction by using locally available lateritic soil and fibrous waste materials to produce sustainable building blocks.
Professor Dr. Deepa G. Nair of the CUSAT School of Engineering and former research scholar Dr. M. G. Sreekumar are behind this patent. Dr. M. G. Sreekumar is currently working as an Assistant Engineer at Akashavani, Kochi.
