Manufacture of stabilized phosphogypsum blocks for underwater massives in the Gulf of Gabès

Abstract

The transformation of phosphate phosphoric acid causes the production of huge quantities of phosphogypsum (PH). The latter is responsible for the adverse effects on the environment with its components (groundwater, soil, sea ...). Therefore, it is important to find beneficial reuse of this waste in order to reduce the stored quantities. Making blocks using fully PH stabilized and hardened by additions of aggregates (crushed sand, tuff) and / or hydraulic binders (cement, lime) aims to: consumption of large quantities of PH stored in plants producing phosphoric acid; the creation of submarine massive from blocks stabilized to protect fish fry growing against the wild fishery in the Gulf of Gabès. Studies show that the treatment of PH in the crushed sand and cement or cement and lime gives the best results in terms of ultrasonic speed and compressive strength. Also, they indicate that the addition of cement and lime can absorb huge amounts of PH (92 %). Resistance obtained is sufficient for possible use blocks of PH made for the construction of massive underwater.

Keywords

• Local materials
• Neutralization of the PH
• Blocks of PH
• Ultrasonic speed
• Compressive strength