Performance of Lime Stabilization on Extremely Alkaline Red Mud Waste under Acidic Environment
Publication: Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste
Volume 23, Issue 4
Abstract
Excessive pH () and inconsistent engineering properties because of the chemicomineralogical composition of red mud warrant devising an alternate approach to render it more environmentally benign. In this study, the performance of lime stabilization coupled with oxalic acid, which acts as a neutralizing agent, was explored systematically to improve the long-term strength and to reduce the alkalinity of red mud. The mechanisms governing the behavior of additives along with their effects were investigated by examining the mineralogical, elemental, and morphological characteristics. The results suggest an effect of sodalite and alumina on the inconsistency in dry unit weight and claylike behavior of red mud. A reduction in pH was found to be instrumental during early phases of lime stabilization and in precipitation of cementitious hydration products, leading to strength gain in the long term in red mud. Moreover, the addition of lime and oxalic acid was found to yield more encouraging results than lime treatment alone, and hence this is recommended to be used for red mud stabilization. The obtained results were substantiated by comparison with code provisions.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful to Dr. P. V. Satyam, Professor, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, and his research group for extending their support of SEM and EDS facilities for analysis of samples. This study could not have been completed without their support.
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Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste
Volume 23 • Issue 4 • October 2019
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©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 19, 2018
Accepted: Apr 4, 2019
Published online: Jun 6, 2019
Published in print: Oct 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Nov 6, 2019
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