Stabilization of Dredging Material from Rio Grande Harbor with Alkali-Activated Cements to Produce Masonry Elements

Abstract

In this study, to give a new final disposal to the Dredged Sediments (DS) in the Port of Rio Grande, the manufacture of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) with the addition of alkali-activated cement (AAC) is proposed. This binder was produced by mixing Rice Husk Ash (RHA), Carbide Lime (CL), and Sodium Hydroxide Solutions (SHS). The methodology includes AAC optimization for the production of CEBs, considering their performance in terms of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), durability analysis by wetting and drying cycles, and the qualification of the blocks, according to strength and water absorption criteria. The results show that AAC is a satisfactory option to improve the mechanical performance of DS. After 28 days of curing, the CEBs pass the requirements established by the Brazilian standard NBR 8492 to be used in the execution of masonry without structural function in Brazil.