Scholarlink

Purpose <p>This study aims to overcome the limited engineering applications of dredged sediment (DS) due to its poor mechanical stability, despite its high nutrient content and excellent water retention. A low-alkalinity binder (LAB), developed from sulfoaluminate cement clinker, is proposed to improve the solidification performance of DS while maintaining ecological compatibility, thereby facilitating its sustainable use in eco-engineering.</p> Materials and methods <p>DS was treated with both LAB and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for comparison. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, water stability coefficient (<i>Hs</i>) measurements, microstructural analyses using SEM and XRD, and pot experiments to assess plant germination and growth performance in the solidified materials.</p> Results <p>LAB achieved 3 to 6 times higher UCS than OPC at low dosages (5%–10%) and early curing stages. However, OPC outperformed LAB at higher dosages (20%) and longer curing periods (28 days). In sulfate-rich environments, LAB-solidified DS showed enhanced water stability, even exceeding its performance in pure water, whereas OPC-treated samples exhibited significant degradation. Pot experiments confirmed that LAB maintained a favorable low-alkalinity environment (pH &lt; 10.5) and moderate electrical conductivity (EC &lt; 1.8 mS cm<sup>− 1</sup>), which promoted plant germination, growth rates, and biomass production. After 30 days, the total plant biomass in 15% LAB-treated DS was 4.8 times greater than that in the 15% OPC group. Microscopic analyses revealed that the formation of ettringite (AFt) and calcium-alumino-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels contributed to both structural stability and a plant-friendly environment.</p> Conclusions <p>The LAB-solidified DS provides both early strength and sulfate durability superior to OPC. Additionally, its lower pH and EC promote enhanced plant growth, offering an eco-friendly approach to the beneficial use of DS.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Solidified dredged sediment as ecological restoration substrate: mechanical strength, water stability, and vegetation performance

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月23日

查看全文
  • Ying Zhu,
  • Siyao Chen,
  • Feng Zhong,
  • Xingxing He,
  • Yong Wan,
  • Menghao Li,
  • Gaopeng Shen

摘要

Purpose

This study aims to overcome the limited engineering applications of dredged sediment (DS) due to its poor mechanical stability, despite its high nutrient content and excellent water retention. A low-alkalinity binder (LAB), developed from sulfoaluminate cement clinker, is proposed to improve the solidification performance of DS while maintaining ecological compatibility, thereby facilitating its sustainable use in eco-engineering.

Materials and methods

DS was treated with both LAB and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for comparison. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, water stability coefficient (Hs) measurements, microstructural analyses using SEM and XRD, and pot experiments to assess plant germination and growth performance in the solidified materials.

Results

LAB achieved 3 to 6 times higher UCS than OPC at low dosages (5%–10%) and early curing stages. However, OPC outperformed LAB at higher dosages (20%) and longer curing periods (28 days). In sulfate-rich environments, LAB-solidified DS showed enhanced water stability, even exceeding its performance in pure water, whereas OPC-treated samples exhibited significant degradation. Pot experiments confirmed that LAB maintained a favorable low-alkalinity environment (pH < 10.5) and moderate electrical conductivity (EC < 1.8 mS cm− 1), which promoted plant germination, growth rates, and biomass production. After 30 days, the total plant biomass in 15% LAB-treated DS was 4.8 times greater than that in the 15% OPC group. Microscopic analyses revealed that the formation of ettringite (AFt) and calcium-alumino-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels contributed to both structural stability and a plant-friendly environment.

Conclusions

The LAB-solidified DS provides both early strength and sulfate durability superior to OPC. Additionally, its lower pH and EC promote enhanced plant growth, offering an eco-friendly approach to the beneficial use of DS.