Synergistic and Environmental Impacts of Industrial Solid Waste and Cement Clinker in Shield Muck Solidification: A Case Study in Shijiazhuang City

Jinming Jia, Fumin Ren (), Kaichen Bai, Ma Li, Si Han, Junshi Liu, Zhang Lei and Mingming Tan
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Jinming Jia: School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Fumin Ren: School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Kaichen Bai: School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Ma Li: Xuchang Ecology and Environmental Monitoring Center of Henan, Xuchang 461000, China
Si Han: Xuchang Ecology and Environmental Monitoring Center of Henan, Xuchang 461000, China
Junshi Liu: School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Zhang Lei: School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Mingming Tan: School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-27

Abstract: Traditional landfill disposal of muck uses a significant amount of land and pollutes the environment, while current solidification methods heavily depend on energy-intensive cement. This study introduces a novel approach for synergistically solidifying muck using cement, fly ash, and steel slag, aiming to utilize waste resources and achieve low-carbon disposal. Experimental optimization identified the optimal ratio (cement:fly ash:steel slag = 2:2:1). The findings indicate that cement is crucial for early strength, while industrial waste materials enhance long-term performance through continued reactions. At a total solidifying agent content of 4–6%, the material exhibits optimal mechanical properties and durability, with only a 4% strength loss after 12 dry–wet cycles. Microscopic analysis indicates that several gels and polymers with cementing properties are produced, collectively enhancing the material’s structure. Additionally, this material effectively immobilizes heavy metals, including chromium, lead, arsenic, and cadmium, with leaching concentrations that are well below safety thresholds. This approach provides a dependable and eco-friendly method for large-scale disposal of construction waste muck and industrial solid waste, offering significant potential for engineering applications. Further studies could investigate additional solid waste types and formulations suitable for high-moisture materials like sludge.

Keywords: muck; industrial solid waste co-disposal; heavy metal; cementitious solidification; environmental risk control (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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