Mechanical and environmental performance of polymer stabilized iron ore tailings

Abstract

The huge amounts of residues generated by the mining industry have caused a number of environmental problems, not only in Brazil but worldwide. During the extraction of iron ore, the process of beneficiation produces a considerable volume of tailings, making the disposal of these materials a challenge for the environmental and geotechnical engineering. In this context, numerous researchers have been looking for alternative solutions for the disposal and use of these materials, focusing on stabilization, improvement or reinforcement in geotechnical works. Polymers are currently being increasingly used as a stabilizer for sandy soils, due to their stable chemical property and shorter curing time, compared to traditional stabilizers, such as cement, lime, fly ash and bituminous materials. This research presents the study of improvement techniques of iron ore tailings by insertion of a polymer. The mechanical and environmental properties of the composite are analyzed, aiming at the application in geotechnical structures, such as landfills and slopes. The results show that the use of this composite is interesting from the technical, economic, structural and environmental safety point of view.