Reuse of dredged sediments as pavement materials by cement kiln dust and lime treatment

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the properties of two types of cement kiln dust (CKD)-stabilized dredged sediments, silt and clay with a comparison to hydrated lime stabilization. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were conducted to examine the optimal stabilizer content and classify the type of highway material. A strength development model of treated dredged sediments was performed. The influences of various stabilizer types and sediment types on UCS were interpreted with the aid of microstructural observations, including X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results of the tests revealed that 6% of lime by dry weight can be suggested as optimal content for the improvement of clay and silt as selected materials. For CKD-stabilized sediment as soil cement subbase material, the use of 8% CKD was suggested as optimal content for clay, whereas 6% CKD was recommended for silt; the overall CBR value agreed with the UCS test. The reaction products calcium silicate hydrate and ettringite are the controlling mechanisms for the mechanical performance of CKD-stabilized sediments, whereas calcium aluminate hydrate is the control for lime-stabilized sediments. These results will contribute to the use of CKD as a sustainable and novel stabilizer for lime in highway material applications.