Design parameters for construction of dikes with treated sludge at redevelopment of sludge reservoirs

The doctoral research concers the industrial sludge arising from the production of phosphate fertilizer and feed products. The sludge consist of a silicon dioxide (SiO2) bonded calcium fluoride (CaF2). The purpose is to use a combination of naturally dried sludge, filter pressed sludge and accelerated naturally dried sludge as a construction material for elevated embankments. The research is executed within the framework of the overall project of reorganization of various sludge deposits of Tessenderlo Chemie. The objective of this reorganization is to adapt the historical deposit sites to actual environmental regulations, meanwhile maximizing their storage capacity.Computer simulations are being used to design and predict the behavior of the embankment during and after construction. On the site, settlements and deformations are recorded to monitor the construction process. Critical situations are studied, for which local slope failures are investigated in detail to calibrate the numerical models and to improve the knowledge of determining sludge parameters.Field tests and laboratory investigations on sludge material accompanying the site works, enable a safe construction of the elevated embankments.

Jaar van publicatie:2021

Toegankelijkheid:Open