Evaluation of Sediments from the River Drava and Their Potential for Further Use in the Building Sector |
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| Authors: | Vilma Ducman,Karmen Fifer Bizjak,Barbara Likar,Mitja Kolar,Ana Robba,Jernej Imperl,Mojca Bož ič ,Boš tjan Gregorc |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.F.B.); (B.L.);2.Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (A.R.); (J.I.);3.Hydropower Plants, Dravske Elektrarne Maribor d. o. o., Obrežna Ulica 170, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (M.B.); (B.G.) |
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| Abstract: | Sedimentation is a naturally occurring process of allowing particles in water bodies to settle out of the suspension under a gravity effect. In this study, the sediments of the Drava River were fully investigated to determine the heavy metal concentrations along the river and their potential reuse in the construction sector. Naturally dehydrated sediments from the Drava River were tested as an additive for the production of fired bricks. The dredged sediments were used as a substitute for natural brick clay in amounts up to 50% by weight, and it was confirmed that up to 20% by weight of the added sediment could be used directly in the process without critically affecting performance. Finally, the naturally dehydrated sediments were also evaluated for their use as a filling material in the construction of levees. The natural moisture content of the dehydrated sediment was too high for it to be used without additives, so quicklime was added as an inorganic binder. The test results showed an improvement in the geotechnical properties of the material to such an extent that it is suitable as a filling material for levees. |
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| Keywords: | river sediments pollution heavy metals clay industry levees |
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