Potential reuse of fine sediment from hydroelectric dams and recycled concrete sand in road subgrades

Abstract

Hydroelectric dams play a crucial role in power generation, water storage, and irrigation. However, their continuous operation has led to sediment accumulation, thereby reducing the water storage capacity and impacting the facility's life span. The aim of the current study is to assess the reuse potential of dredged fine sediment in the composition of road subgrades. Nine types of sediment from diverse hydroelectric dams are analyzed for their chemical, environmental, physical, and geotechnical properties. These sediments then were treated with quicklime and a slag-based hydraulic road binder (3% and 6%, respectively). The current investigation involves evaluating: Proctor parameters, the immediate bearing index, treatment ability, and the mechanical properties of the treated sediment. The results reveal that the properties of treated sediment differ from one mixture to another, thus, indicating that some mixtures meet the criteria outlined in the French Roadworks Guide, by virtue of their clay and organic matter contents. Moreover, the current study explores the impact of incorporating recycled concrete sand (RCS) as a granular corrector to enhance the reuse potential of the sediment in road subgrades. The current findings indicate that adding RCS significantly improves mixture properties, particularly mechanical characteristics, by reaching 1 MPa before 7 days of curing. These promising outcomes pave the way for more advanced road construction practices in ensuring environmental compliance and promoting an eco-friendly reuse of sediment.