Evaluation of the Compaction Characteristics of Untreated and Treated Red Mud

Abstract

This paper focuses on evaluating the compaction characteristics of untreated and treated red mud waste in a comprehensive way. Chemical solutions such as NaCl and HCl were used to treat the red mud waste. A series of standard Proctor (SP) and modified Proctor (MP) compaction tests were conducted on identical samples of (a) untreated and (b) NaCl and HCl treated samples. It has been observed that among standard Proctor and modified Proctor test, the latter one yields reproducible compaction curves especially on untreated red mud waste. The results also showed significant variations in the value of maximum dry density and optimum water content between NaCl and HCl treated samples. Further, it has also been found that compaction energy can considerably influence the density characteristics of the red mud waste.