Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.13044/j.sdewes.d5.0183
An Evaluation of Marine Sediments in Terms of their usability in the Brick Industry: Case Study Port of Koper
Patrik Baksa
; Port of Koper d. d., Vojkovo nabrežje 38, SI-6501 Koper, Slovenia
Franka Cepak
; Port of Koper d. d., Vojkovo nabrežje 38, SI-6501 Koper, Slovenia
Rebeka Kovačič Lukman
; Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Hočevarjev trg 1, SI-8270 Krško, Slovenia
Vilma Ducman
; National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Abstract
A dredging process is essential for the development of harbours and ports, allowing the functional daily operation of the port. The management of dredged material represents a worldwide challenge, especially considering unwanted deposition of material. Because
of their chemical, petrographic, mineralogical and homogeneity composition, marine sediments could represent an appropriate raw material for the brick industry, particularly for the production of clay blocks, roofing and ceramic tiles. In this study dredged material
from Port of Koper was tested for such use, thus various analyses were carried out in order to determine if the dredged material is environmentally friendly and suitable for use in the brick industry. These included: chemical analysis, mineralogical analysis, particle
size analysis, chloride content analysis and tests of firing in a gradient furnace. Furthermore, tests of mechanical properties, as well as tests of the frost-resistance of the samples were carried out. On the basis of the primary analyses and samples prepared in a laboratory, it was confirmed that marine sediments from the Port of Koper, without any
additives are only conditionally suitable as a source material for producing brick products, because without additives they exhibit too much shrinkage on drying and firing, as well as high water absorption, this can be improved by the incorporation of suitable additives, for example, virgin clay or other suitable waste material. The approach
described herewith can also be followed to assess sediments from other ports and rivers regarding its potential use in clay brick sector.
Keywords
Marine sediment; Dredging; Recycling; Clay bricks; Chemical analysis; Mechanical properties
Hrčak ID:
194969
URI
Publication date:
31.3.2018.
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