Uso de coproduto de dessulfuração de reator Kambara como agente estabilizante de solos para fins de pavimentação

Abstract

This work aims to deepen the knowledge on a new steelmaking industry co-product generated within the iron desulphurization process in Kambara Reactor (KR) and to evaluate its potential as a soil stabilizer for road construction application. To achieve this, initially the co-product was submitted to mineralogical (X-ray diffraction - XRD), and chemical (X-ray fluorescence - XRF) analysis, pozzolanic activity evaluation and Pennsylvania Test Method (PTM) expansion test. In order to verify the co-product performance as a stabilization agent, physical and mechanical tests (California Bearing Ratio – CBR and resilient modulus tests) were carried out with two local soils without any addition and, subsequently, incorporated with 10, 20 and 30% of coproduct by mass. To compare its performance to other soil traditional stabilizers, mixtures of the soil-cement and of the soil-aggregate were equally tested. Once the co-product efficiency was confirmed, further tests were carried out to investigate the stabilization mechanisms responsible for resistance improvements on soils. The chemical composition and microstructural characteristics of materials were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Firstly, samples were examined in powder isolated form and then in compacted mixtures. According to the criteria adopted by this experimental work, it has been concluded that the KR co-product is an efficient soil stabilizer for road application, thus a more economical and sustainable alternative to the use of traditional binders.