Experimental study on recycling dredged marine sediment and phosphate tailing to produce earth fill

ABSTRACT Environmental friendly earth fill was produced by recycling dredged marine sediment and phosphate tailing. The properties of the marine sediment and tailing were tested. Composite soil samples of different mix ratios were prepared. The optimum moisture contents, basic physical properties, compression characteristics, and shear strength characteristics under the optimum moisture contents were tested and analyzed. The results indicated that the optimum moisture content decreases with increasing phosphorus tailing content and that composite soil is preferable over both marine sediment and phosphate tailing because of its higher dry density, lower compressibility, and higher shear strength. When the phosphorus tailing content is in 50–65%, the dry density is maximized and the void ratio is minimized, indicating the best ratio. The coefficient of compressibility is in 0.07–0.12 MPa−1. When the phosphorus tailing content is 50%, the compression index and coefficient of compressibility are minimized, whereas cohesion is maximized. The internal friction angle increases with increasing phosphorus tailing content. The optimum phosphorus tailing content is 50%; at this phosphorus tailing content, the compacted composite soil can be reutilized as good earth fill. The results demonstrate the properties and optimal conditions of composite soil composed of mud and silty sand.