Iron ore tailings in the production of cement tiles: a value analysis on building sustainability

Abstract

The present work discloses the development of a sustainable cement tile (SCT) produced with Iron Ore Tailings from tailings dams (IOT). Initially, technical evaluation and environmental analysis of IOT were performed through physical, chemical and morphological characterisation, leaching and dissolution tests. Its feasibility as a pigment was also investigated. Subsequently, the value analysis was performed, starting from an empathy map to a study on environmental, social and emotional values in the relationship between people and product. As result, the IOT presented fine, crystalline particles, no toxicity, and is technically feasible to be employed as filler, aggregate and pigment in the production of SCT. The colour layer of the SCT presented more homogeneous colour and less pores than conventional ones. Therefore, the design of the SCT was developed, incorporating intangible values such as: environmental ideology, local identity and social expression. In this sense, the present work seeks to assist in the decision-making process involving IOT as construction material.

Artificial stone production using iron ore tailing (IOT)

“…The combined XRF and XRD analyses showed a correlation between substances that appeared in significant concentrations in the IOT, ratifying results from the literature [9]. The iron content (Fe 2 O 3 ) is responsible for the reddishbrown color of the final material [17], a characteristic that can be observed in Fig. 1.…”

“…Recycling is the most appropriate reuse option [11,12]. Fontes et al [13] evaluated the technical feasibility of using IOT waste as a building material, such as mortars and tiles. Bastos et al [9] evaluated the feasibility of using IOT from tailing dams as an alternative material for road infrastructure.…”

“…Luo et al [16] investigated the possibility of utilizing IOT to completely replace the clay as an aluminum silicate raw material for the Portland cement clinker production. Fontes et al [17] disclosed the development of a sustainable cement tile produced with IOT from tailing dams. Silva et al [18] studied the technological feasibility of using the IOT as an additive in cement pavers (concrete blocks) for the mechanical properties' optimization and color modulation.…”

Desempenho Térmico De Argamassas De Revestimento À Base De Resíduos: Simulação Térmica Em Uma Residência De Baixo Padrão

“…Como exemplo dessa aplicação, rejeitos de barragens de minério de ferro foram estudados por Sant'Ana Filho (2017), Fontes (2018) 2016, Weishi (2018) e Ma (2016), com um bom desempenho como agregado em matrizes cimentícias. Carvalho (2014), Carvalho (2019), Rondi (2016) e Silva (2016) também observaram resultados positivos no uso da escória de aciaria processada como agregado para concretos e argamassas.…”

Reverse logistics system applied to the reuse of iron ore tailings

“…In this scenario, various researchers have focused on the reuse of the IOT as aggregate for construction (Almeida et al, 2020; Fontes et al, 2016; Mendes et al, 2019b; Sant’ana Filho et al, 2016), pigment (Fontes et al, 2018; Galvão, et al, 2018), raw material for ceramics (Behera et al, 2019; Fontes et al, 2019; Mendes et al, 2019a), and as road infrastructure (Bastos et al, 2016; Ojuri et al, 2017). These studies show that there is great technical potential for the rehabilitation of IOT in the civil construction and road production sectors.…”