| Abstract |
This study assists in developing the circular economy concept by using waste as a construction material. A series of laboratory experiments examined the feasibility of replacing sand-bentonite mixture as a common media with electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) as an industrial by-product for constructing landfill cover and liner layers. The impact of EAFD on the geo-environmental properties of pristine sand and sand-bentonite mixtures was assessed. The results indicate that there was a significant decrease in the permeability coefficient and an increase in the splitting tensile strength, unconfined compressive strength, pH, electro conductivity, and water holding capacity of the sand-EAFD mixture compared to sand-bentonite specimens. Microstructural and mineralogical phase analyses were conducted using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared analysis to identify physical and chemical interactions. In addition, the toxic heavy metals leaching risk, such as lead, zinc, and cadmium to the groundwater was also investigated. Results show that as an innovative waste management technique, EAFD can be utilized to construct landfill cover and liner layers. This approach serves two important purposes: firstly, it helps conserve valuable materials like bentonite and sand, and secondly, it provides novel waste management for EAFD as an industrial waste based on the circular economy approach. |
