Abstract:
The accumulated waste generated from industries severely affects environmental conditions. Using waste as a construction material or soil stabilization is an emerging area in the
construction industry. Introducing new additive materials to strengthen local soils using industrial
waste is an inexpensive and more effective method to improve the soil. In light of this, this study
aims to develop environmentally clean construction materials for stabilizing natural loam (NL)
using red mud (RM), blast furnace slag (BFS), and lime production waste (LPW). Nine different
mixtures were prepared with four different combinations of RM (20, 30, and 40%), BFS (25, 30 and
35%), LPW (4, 6 and 8%), and various content of NL. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence
(XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), atomic absorption
spectroscopy (AAS), and axial compressive strength were examined. The results indicated that the
optimum strength was obtained from the sample containing 40% of RM, 35% of BFS, and 8% of LPW.
The observed compressive strength of the sample for 90 days was 7.38 MPa, water resistance was
7.12 MPa, and frost resistance was 7.35 MP, with low linear expansion meeting the demands for first
class construction materials of the Kazakh norms. The mineral composition analysis evidenced the
lack of heavy metals contaminants and hazardous compounds. Based on strength and environmental
performance, RM, BFS, LPW, and NL mix can be used as a road base material. This process is believed
to reduce environmental pollution related to RM and BFS, and lower the road base cost.
