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Strength Characteristics and Micro-Mechanism of Silty Soil Modified by Red Mud Co-Cement

Author

Listed:
  • Xinming Li

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450007, China)

  • Pan Yan

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450007, China)

  • Song Yin

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450007, China)

  • Xianwei Zhang

    (State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China)

  • Pengfei Liu

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450007, China)

  • Yulong Wang

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450007, China)

Abstract

Red mud (RM) is a kind of solid waste produced during the bauxite refining process, which can cause significant environmental pollution when stored in large quantities. To address this issue and to improve the reuse rate of RM, this study investigates the feasibility of using RM as a roadbed filling material, specifically in combination with cement, using modified silty sand (P.O-RMS). Therefore, mechanical and microscopic tests are conducted with different RM contents ( W RM ), cement contents ( W P.O ), and curing ages to analyze the P.O-RMS′ strength, deformation characteristics, and microstructure formation mechanism. Additionally, the radioactivity and heavy metal concentrations of P.O-RMS are also detected. Mechanical test results showed that the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of P.O-RMS does not increase monotonically with the increase of W RM , and the peak strength appears at W RM = 20%. Although adding RM has a negative impact on the toughness of P.O-RMS at the initial curing ages of 7 days and 28 days, they still meet the requirements of the Chinese standard for high-grade highway base strength. Scanning electron microscope testing shows that the gel products produced by cement hydration increase with the amount of RM, and reach their maximum at W RM = 20%. Therefore, W RM = 20% is recommended as the optimum admixture of P.O-RMS. The usage of RM as a filling material for roadbed construction in this study not only aligns with the principles of sustainable development, but also provides a crucial theoretical foundation for the effective utilization of RM resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinming Li & Pan Yan & Song Yin & Xianwei Zhang & Pengfei Liu & Yulong Wang, 2023. "Strength Characteristics and Micro-Mechanism of Silty Soil Modified by Red Mud Co-Cement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-19, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8762-:d:1158612
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhaoyun Zhang & Chuang Xie & Zhaohu Sang & Dejun Li, 2022. "Optimizing the Mechanical Performance and Microstructure of Alkali-Activated Soda Residue-Slag Composite Cementing Materials by Various Curing Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Shuai Yuan & Ruofeng Wang & Hao Zhang & Yanjun Li & Liu Liu & Yafeng Fu, 2022. "Investigation of Mineral Phase Transformation Technology Followed by Magnetic Separation for Recovery of Iron Values from Red Mud," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Lisheng Liang & Jieya Zhang & Peiying Fang & Chongxian Suo, 2022. "Study on Properties of Copper-Contaminated Soil Solidified by Solid Waste System Combined with Cement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-19, May.
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