Physical-mechanical properties of soil-cement bricks with the addition of the fine fraction from the quartzite mining tailings (State of Minas Gerais – Brazil)

摘要

Several geotechnical studies have been carried out with the purpose of making tailings from quartzite mining an alternative source of raw material for different purposes in engineering works or civil construction. This study analyzed the physical-mechanical behavior of soil-cement bricks made with the addition of quartzite mining tailings from the southwest region of the State of Minas Gerais. Firstly, the geotechnical characterization of the studied samples as well as the compositions of the materials was carried out, followed by the definition of the best mixture for the production of soil-cement-quartzite tailings bricks, using a statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the statistical analysis showed that the compressive strength (f(t)) of the soil-cement bricks decreased with the addition of the quartzite tailings, although they indicated the possibility of adding up to 30% quartzite tailings in the studied soil. In general, the results of the compressive strength and water absorption tests performed at 7 and 28 days of age suggest the possibility of using the quartzite tailings without compromising the physical and mechanical properties required by the Brazilian standard NBR 10833, thus indicating the potential use of this waste for the production of soil-cement bricks as a viable technical solution, minimizing the environmental impacts resulting from mining activities.