ABSTRACT
This research investigated the characteristics of cement stabilized poured laterite beams reinforced with polypropylene ropes. It was carried out with a view to first establish the suitability of laterite for cement stabilized poured earth construction and secondly, the possibilities for strengthening poured laterite elements with 3.75mm diameter Polypropylene (PP) rope as reinforcement. The laterite, cement and Polypropylene rope used were sourced from within Zaria. The laterite was air dried for seven days, sieved with 4.75mm BS sieve size and bagged. Physical test result showed that the laterite had a specific gravity of 2.59 with a plastic index (P.I) of 13% indicating low plasticity. Chemical test showed that the oxide of iron had the highest value of 59.09% weight responsible for the laterite reddish brown colour.  It was concluded that poor bonding or anchorage was a contributory factor in the poor performance of 3.75mm diameter polypropylene reinforced poured laterite beams. Also, 15% cement specimens performed best in six tests out of a total of seven. Based on the research, it was recommended that poured laterite containing 15% cement stabilization could be used for construction of non-load bearing internal walls as it will reduce the overdependence on cement and granite usage thereby conserving the scarce natural resources as well as reducing pollution (noise, air, land, etc).