The use of marine sediments as a pavement base material

• Published in: Waste management (Elmsford) Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 774 - 782
• Main Authors: Dubois, Vincent, Abriak, Nor Edine, Zentar, Rachid, Ballivy, Gérard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Conservation of Natural Resources; Construction Materials; Engineering Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Geologic Sediments - chemistry; Global Changes; Materials; Materials Testing; Mechanics; Oceans and Seas; Other wastes and particular components of wastes; Pollution; Urban and domestic wastes; Wastes; France; Europe; Cinders; Marine sediments; Harbor; Road construction; Urban waste; Dredging; Quarry; Binders; Sustainable development; Incineration; Environment impact; Solid waste; Lixiviation; Decantation; SEDIMENT; ASSISE DE CHAUSSEE; CHAUX; RECYCLAGE DES MATERIAUX
• ISSN: 0956-053X; 1879-2456
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2008.05.004

The management of marine sediments after dredging has become increasingly complex. In the context of sustainable development, traditional solutions such as immersion will be increasingly regulated. More than ever, with the shortage of aggregates from quarries, dredged material could constitute a new source of materials. In this study of the potential of using dredged marine sediments in road construction, the first objective is to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of fine sediments dredged from a harbour in the north of France. The impacts of these materials on the environment are also explored. In the second stage, the characteristics of the fine sediment are enhanced for use as a road material. At this stage, the treatment used is compatible with industrial constraints. To decrease the water content of the fine sediments, natural decantation is employed; in addition, dredged sand is added to enhance the granular distribution and to reinforce the granular skeleton. Finally, the characteristics of the mix are enhanced by incorporating binders (cement and/or lime). The mechanical characteristics measured on the mixes are compatible with their use as a base course material. Moreover, the obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of lime in the mixes. In terms of environmental impacts, on the basis of leaching tests and according to available thresholds developed for the use of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash in road construction, the designed dredged mixes satisfy the prescribed thresholds.