Development of Environmentally Clean Construction Materials Using Industrial Waste

The accumulated waste generated from industries severely affects environmental conditions. Using waste as a construction material or soil stabilization is an emerging area in the construction industry. Introducing new additive materials to strengthen local soils using industrial waste is an inexpensive and more effective method to improve the soil. In light of this, this study aims to develop environmentally clean construction materials for stabilizing natural loam (NL) using red mud (RM), blast furnace slag (BFS), and lime production waste (LPW). Nine different mixtures were prepared with four different combinations of RM (20, 30, and 40%), BFS (25, 30 and 35%), LPW (4, 6 and 8%), and various content of NL. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and axial compressive strength were examined. The results indicated that the optimum strength was obtained from the sample containing 40% of RM, 35% of BFS, and 8% of LPW. The observed compressive strength of the sample for 90 days was 7.38 MPa, water resistance was 7.12 MPa, and frost resistance was 7.35 MP, with low linear expansion meeting the demands for first class construction materials of the Kazakh norms. The mineral composition analysis evidenced the lack of heavy metals contaminants and hazardous compounds. Based on strength and environmental performance, RM, BFS, LPW, and NL mix can be used as a road base material. This process is believed to reduce environmental pollution related to RM and BFS, and lower the road base cost.