Evaluation of the geotechnical properties of alum sludge, zeolite, and their mixtures for beneficial usage

Müge Balkaya*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this article, the suitability of alum sludge (AS) for possible beneficial uses in geotechnical and geoenvironmental applications was investigated. The geotechnical properties (grain size distribution, index properties, compactibility, compressibility, hydraulic conductivity, and shear strength) of AS were determined. Considering the possible positive effects of zeolite (Z) on AS in terms of geotechnical properties and contaminant removal ability, AS was also mixed with various proportions of Z obtained from Manisa-Gördes, Turkey, and the engineering properties of Z and AS-Z mixtures were also determined. Odeometer test results showed that the samples were not highly compressible. For all the samples, low hydraulic conductivity values on the order of 10-8 cm/s have been achieved. According to direct shear test results, cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (φ) values of the AS, Z, and AS-Z mixtures were within the ranges of c = 0-25 kPa and φ = 44°-37°, respectively. The geotechnical engineering tests conducted on the samples indicated that these materials were mechanically stable and could be used for various geotechnical and geoenvironmental applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1028-1037
Number of pages10
JournalEnvironmental Progress and Sustainable Energy
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog.

Keywords

  • alum sludge
  • geoenvironmental applications
  • geotechnical properties
  • zeolite

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