Compaction Characteristics of Red Mud and Pond Ash Mix As Filling and Embankment Material

Abstract

One of the significant difficulties before the processing and manufacturing industries is disposal of the lingering waste products. Red mud and pond ash are one of the significant waste results of any aluminum industry. The red mud sample is collected from Vedanta Aluminum Ltd., Lanjigarh and pond ash sample is collected from Rourkela Steel Plant, Rourkela. They disposed the waste material using the Thick Slurry Disposal System, which empowers fast consolidation of the slurry once disposed at the red mud and pond ash site. The undertaking work concentrates on the suitability of red mud and pond ash obtained are to be utilized for construction of dyke and filling material. Several attempts have been made in the past for using red mud as design of tailing dam and pond ash as land filling. In the present work, emphasis has been given on application of red mud and pond ash mix as construction of embankment and as filling material. In the present work, initially red mud and pond ash are examined for the different geotechnical properties. The different trial works incorporate Standard Proctor Test to acquire the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC), specific gravity test. Utilizing the MDD and OMC results, Direct Shear Test, Triaxle Tests of the sample carried to get the shear parameters c and ?. The specimens were likewise tried for their Unconfined Compressive Strength Test and permeability characteristics utilizing both steady head and falling head permeameter to get the coefficient of permeability. After characterization of red mud and pond ash samples for their individual geotechnical properties, the samples were blended in different proportions to get a mix having optimum mix. All the above analyses were carried on every mix to acquire an optimum mix. The outcomes are gathered in graphical form to observe the patterns in the different parameters.To account the experimental findings, the samples were also observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). From the mineralogical data, presence of toxic elements is observed. The
above analysis and results can help in solving the problem of red mud and ash disposal and to
a great extent help in increasing the economic benefit of the alumina and thermal industries.