Characterization and Utilization of Recycled Aluminium Residues for Eco-Friendly Road Construction Practices

Abstract

The economic growth of any nation relies heavily on industrialization, but this comes at the cost of a significant increase in industrial waste production, posing a detrimental impact on the environment and natural resources. One such waste, known as red mud, is a byproduct of Bayer's method for aluminum extraction from bauxite ore. Due to its highly alkaline nature, red mud poses a serious threat to the ecosystem. To address this issue, an effective strategy involves utilizing red mud in construction projects with proper stabilization methods. This study specifically explores the endurance of red mud when combined with cement, considering its suitability as a material for highway subgrade and embankment construction. The research involves substituting red mud with varying percentages of cement (3%, 6%, and 9% by dry weight) to thoroughly investigate how cement influences the strength characteristics of red mud. This analysis includes factors such as compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio, and Unconfined Compressive Strength. Additionally, embankment stability is assessed using Geo-5 software. The current study delves into the optimization of slope stability, ensuring the required Factor of Safety in accordance with Indian Roads Congress guidelines.