Using Iron Ore Tailings from Tailing Dams as Road Material
AbstractThe present work aims to evaluate the feasibility of iron ore tailings from tailing dams as an alternative material for road infrastructure. The iron ore tailings were characterized according to their chemical, mineralogical, environmental, and physical properties. Subsequently, the tailings were chemically stabilized using cement, lime, or steelmaking slag as binder. The tailing cement, tailing lime, and tailing slag mixtures studied consisted of 1, 2, 5, and 10% binder content, each. The characterization methodology included chemical and mineralogical analysis through X ray fluorescence and diffraction; environmental analysis with leaching and dissolution tests; evaluation of compaction curves; California bearing ratio (CBR) tests and expansion assessment; compressive strength, with curing in moisture chamber or at open air; water absorption; and evaluation of durability of the mixtures. Overall, the results indicate that the iron ore tailings are a feasible solution for use as layers for road p.