Shear Strength of a typical soil from Manaus, Brazil, stabilized with ceramic residue additive

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the geotechnical behavior of a clayey surface soil typical to the Manaus region (Amazonas, Brazil), when mixed with ceramic powder from brick residue produced by potteries located in the county of Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil, and with residual sand (the reference mixture), commonly used in pavements in the region. The density of soil solids was determined, as well as particle size, consistency limits, compaction parameters and mineralogical identification using of X-ray diffraction. The following blends were made: 90% natural soil + 10% additive, 70% natural soil + 30% additive and 50% natural soil + 50% additive. The blends were evaluated according to their physical properties (Atterberg limits, grain size, and compaction) and mechanical behavior (direct shear test). The results for the compositions indicated that the larger the proportion of ceramic residue and sand, the higher the values of the apparent dry density and the lower the optimum moisture; and, in particular, the addition of ceramic residue had a positive effect on the mechanical results, clearly demonstrated by the increase in the cohesion of the 10% blend. These results validate the potential of the residue for use in road work, in addition to the environmental benefits, either as a disposal alternative of an environmental liability or as a form of minimizing natural resource extraction.

Dynamics of Space and Time of the Production Chain of the Ceramic Industry Production Center of Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil

“…Furthermore, this city has the largest quantity of ceramic industries in Amazonas [39], and the production of ceramics is one of its principal economic activities that is integrated to the city of Manaus. Currently, Iranduba is responsible for about 80% of the total red ceramic production of the state of Amazonas, producing about 10 million bricks per month and generating about 2000 direct and indirect jobs in the city, with about 6000 workers including third-party employees and suppliers [10].…”

“…Ceramic production is an important activity in the context of Brazilian industrial production, with about 2.5 billion ceramic pieces produced each year. In the state of Amazonas, the city of Iranduba is responsible for about 80% of the production of red ceramics in the state [10]. It is important to highlight that this position is relevant principally to the urban nucleus of the city of Manaus, which consumes about 95% of the entire production of the ceramic industry production center in Iranduba.…”