INTRODUCTION

Large quantities of industrial waste by-products are produced in India by

different type of industries , Jarosite, Jarofix, Copper slag, Zinc slag, Red mud, Steel slag and
Coal ash. For many years these materials were considered as waste and were dumped
haphazardly near the producing plants. Efforts are being carried out by research studies to utilize
these materials in embankment, sub base and base layers of road construction. Experimental
studies have been also carried out to investigate their feasibility as an additive in cement
concrete. Jarosite material is produced during extraction of zinc ore concentrate by
hydrometallurgy operation. When zinc ore concentrate is roasted at 900C and subjected to
leaching, Jarosite is formed as a waste material. The Jarosite material is mixed with 2 % lime and
10 % cement and transported to the disposal area as a Jarofix material.Jarosite has positive
effects on compressive and flexural strength of hardened concrete. The compressive strength at 7
days and 28 days was found to increase by 31.55 %and 5% respectively, at 10% replacement
with Jarosite.

Presently, the utilization of dumped Jarofix is much more crucial and concern
in India due to large amounts of Jarofix produced without having any application. At present, the
accumulated Jarofix is about 15 lacs metric tons while the annual production is about 5 lacs
metric tons . The material is occupying costly agricultural land and has become environmental
hazard.Limited literature is available regarding the utility of Jarofix material for different civil
engineering applications. So, to study the potential of Jarofix as an embankment and sub grade
material, physical and geotechnical detailed investigations were carried out in the laboratory. The
result of characteristics of Jarofix material, technical specifications for the utilization of Jarofix,
Jarofix-soil-bottom mixes for the construction of embankment and sub grade layers of road
pavement. . The present study is an investigation into the effect of Jarofix on geotechnical
properties of red earth. This investigation includes the study on the variation of properties of the
soil such as Atterberg’s limits, compaction characteristics ,compressive strength and CBR
valueswhen the Jarofix is mixed with thesoil. The major findings of the present study is that,

1
even though there is a reduction in strength characteristics of the soil with the addition of jarofix,
the properties are improving with age.
MATERIALS

The different materials which were collected for the research study are given below.
To improve its strength property, it was mixed with soil and bottom ash in the range of 25-75%
and their geotechnical characteristics were evaluated.

Jarofix waste was collected from the dump yard near Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
The material is observed to be fine grained, light weight and resembles
conventional soil. A pictorial view of Jarofix is shown in
Fig.1

Bottom ash was collected from a nearby captive thermal power plant. The
material is observed to be grey in color,light weight and similar to coarse sand.

Local soil was collected from the proposed site where the Jarofix would be
used for construction of road embankment and sub grade. It is observed to be a coarse grained
material.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Physical characteristics of Jarofix and bottom ash samples were carried out as per standard
procedures collected from the respective dumping yards.The physical characteristics determined
for jarofix are:

2
 (a)specific gravity

(b)pH

(c)loss on ignition,%

(d)moisture content,%

GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

To study the geotechnical characteristics of collected Jarofix, bottom ash and local soil, different
laboratory experiments were carried out which include:

(a) Grain size analysis

(b) Atterberg limit tests
(c) Free swelling index test
(d) Specific gravity test
(e) Proctor compaction test
(f) California Bearing Ratio test
(g) Unconfined compressive strength test
(h) Direct shear test
(i) Consolidation test.

(a) Grain Size Analysis

Jarofix is a fine grained material with 75 % of its particles

passing the 75 micron sieve. Bottom ash is observed to be a coarse grained material with 70 % of
its particles retained on 75 micron sieve. Local soil is a coarse grained material with 52 % of its
particles retained on 75 micron sieve. The grain size distribution curves of Jarofix, bottom ash
and local soil are shown in Fig.2. Results indicate that both Jarofix and bottom ash are poorly
graded material while the local soil is well graded.

3
Fig.2 Grain size distribution curves of Jarofix, Bottom ash and soil.

(b) Atterberg Limit Test

The plasticity characteristics of Jarofix, bottom ash and soil were

determined as per Indian Standard . The Liquid limit (LL) and Plastic limit (PL) of the Jarofix
was determined as 59 % and 43 % respectively. The plasticity index of the Jarofix is calculated
as 16 %. According to Indian Standard classification , Jarofix is classified as MH i.e. inorganic
silts of high compressibility. Bottom ash is observed to be non-plastic in nature and classified as
SP i.e. poorly graded sand. The Liquid limit and Plastic limit of the local soil are determined as
34 % and 16 % respectively. The plasticity index of the soil is calculated as 18 % and classified
as SC i.e. sand ith clay content.

(c) Free Swelling Index Test

To check the possible swelling characteristics of Jarofix and

soil, Free Swelling Index (FSI) test was carried out as per Indian Standard [4]. The average
values of FSI are determined as 10 and 7 respectively for Jarofix and soil. It is concluded that
both Jarofix and soil exhibit non-swelling behaviour. Bottom ash has also non-swelling
characteristics.

4
(d) Specific Gravity Test (G)

Specific gravity test was carried out as per Indian Standard . The
values of specific gravity were obtained as 2.40, 2.3 and 2.67 for Jarofix, bottom ash and soil
respectively. Jarofix and bottom ash have low specific gravity as
compared to soil.

(e) Proctor Compaction Test

Modified Proctor compaction test was carried out as per Indian

Standard . Compaction curves for Jarofix, bottom ash and soil were shown in Fig.3. The
Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) are observed to be 16
kN/m and 22 %, 12 kN/m and 30 %, 20 kN/m and 9 % respectively for Jarofix, bottom ash and
soil. It is observed that MDD (16 kN/m) of Jarofix material is slightly lower than conventional
soil. This may be due to low specific gravity of Jarofix as compared to soil. The compaction
curves are in general flat for Jarofix and bottom ash materials indicating in-sensitiveness of dry

5
density with moisture content.

Fig. 3Proctor compaction curves for Jarofix, bottom ash and soil.
(f) California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test

California Bearing Ratio Test was carried out as per Indian

Standard for Jarofix, bottom ash and soil. Three specimens for each material were prepared at 97
% of MDD and OMC in the CBR moulds. The specimens were then soaked for 4 days in potable
water before testing. The specimens are then sheared at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. The average
values of CBR of Jarofix, bottom ash and soil are determined as 6 %, 22 % and 12 %
respectively. Low CBR value of Jarofix material is may be due to low dry density and its
susceptibility to lose its strength under saturated conditions.

6
(g) Unconfined Compressive Strength Test

Unconfined compressive strength test was carried out as per

Indian Standard [8] for Jarofix and soil. Three specimens of size 50x100 mm were prepared at 97
% of MDD and OMC. The specimens were sheared at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. The average
maximum unconfined compressive strength and strain at failure is obtained as 677 kN/m and 2.2
% respectively for Jarofix. The average maximum unconfined compressive strength and strain at
failure for soil is obtained 828 kN/mand 4.0 % respectively. This test was not carried out for
bottom ash as it has no strength in unconfined state.
(h) Direct Shear Test

Direct shear test was carried out on Jarofix, bottom ash and soil samples as
per Indian Standard . The materials were oven dried and passed through 4.75 mm sieve. Three
specimens of size 60 x 60 x 25 mm were prepared at 97 % of MDD and OMC. The specimensm
were saturated and sheared at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. The cohesion(c) and angle of internal
friction are obtained as 14 kN/m and 22degree for Jarofix, 0 kN/m and 32for bottom ash and 6
kN/m and 30 degree for soil respectively. The results indicate that Jarofix material is c- soil and
has good shear strength.
(g) Consolidation test

Consolidation test was carried out as per Indian Standard on samples of

Jarofix, bottom ash and soil. The value of coefficient of consolidation Cv is obtained as
5.56×10m/s for Jarofix and 11.3×10 m/s for bottom ash respectively.
The value of compression index (C) is obtained as 0.06 for Jarofix, 0.04 for bottom ash and 0.05
for soil respectively. The value of Ci of Jarofix indicates that it is low compressibility material.

GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF JAROFIX- BOTTOM ASH-SOIL

MIXES
Jarofix is comparatively light weight material. It is mixed with
bottom ash and soil in the proportion 25 to 75 % to study the possible improvement in its

7
geotechnical properties. Important geotechnical characteristics namely,plasticity, compaction,
CBR,unconfined compressive strength and shear strength were investigated and discussed
below:
Atterberg Limit Test

Plasticity characteristics of different mixes were determined by carrying

out liquid limit and plastic limit tests. Jarofix and bottom ash mixes were observed to be non
plastic in nature. Jarofix and soil mixes have liquid limit in the range of 35 to 47 %, and
plasticity index in the range of 17 to 18 %. The values indicate that the mixes are low plastic in
nature and have the potential for construction of embankment and sub grade. As per Ministry of
Road Transport and Highway Specification of India, the liquid limit and plasticity index values
should be less than 70 % and 45 % respectively for use in embankment and sub grade
applications.
Proctor Compaction Test

Proctor compaction tests were carried out on Jarofix- bottom ash-soil

mixes. The MDD and OMC of different mixes along with other geotechnical characteristics have
been summarized in Table 2. Figure 4 shows the variation of MDD and OMC with content of
Jarofix for the Jarofix-bottom ash-soil mixes. It is observed that maximum dry density of Jarofix-
soil mixes decreases with the corresponding increase in OMC with the increase in Jarofix
content while the variation is vice versa in the case of Jarofix-bottom ash mixes. The variation of
OMC and MDD for both Jarofix-bottom ash and Jarofix-soil mixes are significant when the
Jarofix content in the mix is ranging from 25 to 75 %. The increase or decrease of MDD and

8
OMC is not predominant beyond 75 % for the Jarofix content.

Fig. 4 Variation of MDD/OMC with percentage of Jarofix content in Jarofix-soil-bottom ash

California Bearing Ratio Test

California Bearing Ratio test was conducted as per Indian

standard on different Jarofix-bottom ash-soil mixes. Figure 5 shows the variation of CBR of
different mixes with varying percentage of Jarofix. It is observed that CBR increases with Jarofix
content for the Jarofix-bottom ash mixes while it decreases for Jarofix-soil mixes. It is observed
that the increase or decrease is predominant upto only 75 % Jarofix content. The increase or
decrease of CBR with Jarofix content for Jarofix-soil-bottom ash mixes corresponds to increase

9
or decrease of MDD with Jarofix content.

Fig.5 Variation of CBR with percentage of Jarofix content in Jarofix-soil-bottom ash

CHARACTERISTICS OF JAROSITE

1. Physico-chemical properties

Jarosite waste constitutes of a group of particles of wide variety from

clayto fine sand.According to a study, jarosite had 63.48 ±0.19% silt sized and 32.35 ±0.19%
clay sized particles.They had higher porosity and water holding capacity . This due to fine
texture materials resulting in high surface area (10,496.18 ±30.90 cm/g) [2].As per International
Soil Classification System, the texture of jarosite waste was silty clay loam. The density of
jarosite is
1
0
3.77 g/cm and humidity content ranges between 44 to 47%. It has high electrical conductivity
(13.26 ±0.437 dS/m) .The pH of jarosite waste is highly acidic in nature (pH 2.6-4.0), as in
electrolytic zinc extraction process, sulphuric acid is used as a catalyst in which jarosite
precipitates at very low pH (1-1.5).

2. Chemical and mineralogical characterisation

The qualitative analysis of jarosite has detected the following

elements: Fe, Zn, Pb, Si, Ca, Cu, K, Ti, Sn and Al. with respect to quantitative
chemical analysis, jarosite contains Cd, Na, As and Co as minor elements .

Jarosite contains higher concentration of toxic elements like lead, zinc,

sulfur, cadmium, chromium and copper. The major mineral phase in jarosite are iron sulfate
hydroxide ,which is hydrophobic in nature and insoluble and iron sulfate hydrate , which is
hydrophilic in nature and easily soluble. Due to these characteristics,
jarosite itself is a hazardous material.

1
1
Present Particles For Utilization And Management Of Jarosite

1. For minimization of leaching of these heavy metals, India is presently treating jarosite
with lime and cement and the treated waste is called Jarofix”. Currently, HZL stock jarofix in
high density polyethylene (HDPE) lined disposal yards. HZL is presently exploring the
possibility of utilization of Jarofix as a sub-grade and embankment materials for road making
during widening of State Highway near Chittorgarh (Rajasthan).

2. There is a possibility of using jarosite as a substitute for natural gypsum in cement

production.

3. Stabilizes/solidified products can be produced form jarosite for use in construction, also,
heavy metals of sludge can be contained in the cement and jarosite mixture. Addition of jarosite
precipitate did not negatively affect the quality of the produced cement.

4. Jarosite waste can be detoxified through immobilization by making composite products

using other inorganic industrial wastes as additives which are causing major environmental
problems. Coal Combustion Residues (CCRs), Pond Coal Combustion Residues (PCCRs) and
Marble Processing Residues (MPRs) can be used as ad
ditives along with clay using solidification / stabilization (s/s) and sintering
process.

5. The physico-chemical characteristics of jarosite indicates that there is a utilization

potential of jarosite-sand mixture as building materials like bricks, blocs, cement, tiles,
composites.

6. Development of alternative and lightweight buildingblocks for the substitute to the

existing fired clay bricks.

7. Jarofix, a stable material obtained by mixing jarosite with 2% lime and 10% cement, itself
have the potential to be utilized for the construction of road embankment. While jarofix-soil mix
(50- 75%) and jarofix-bottom ash mix (50-75%) have the potential to be utilized for the
construction of embankment and may be used for construction of sub-grade layer of road
pavement.
1
2
8. The work reported by Mymrin, et al. reported that new materials resulting from mixtures
of jarosite waste (JW), dump ferrous slag (DFS), and Al-surface cleaning waste (ASCW) with
or without small addition of CaO or Portland cement possesses significant strength and water
resistance. These characteristics make them highly materials for road and airfield runways, levee
cores, industrial and municipal dumps, multi-storey building foundations, in tile and brick
production, etc .

9. Mymrin, et al. also reported that the large-scale use of new materials resulting from
mixtures of JW, DFS, and ASCW is environmentally beneficial,due to decrease in leachability in
acid and alkaline solutions, below the demands of environmental standards. Also, the most
important advantage is to use of acid dump JW, DFS,ASCW (or other alkaline neutralizer), that
would otherwise contaminate the environment; t
hus, these materials offer a potential alternative to the open- quarry extraction of natur
al construction materials.
10.A substantial part of iron sulfate can be removed from jarosite residue by fractional
crystallization. This iron sulfate may be heated to drive off water and roasted to produce iron
oxide. If desired, the iron oxide may be reduced tometallic iron. In this process, the mother liquor
can be further heated to drive off water and produce dry nutrient sulfatesto which super
phosphate, formed from treating phosphate rock or bone with acid from the refinery acid plant to
produce a final enriched fertilizer product.
11.Jarosite may also be reprocessed and iron as hematite can be obtained from it.
12.Jarosite is associated with sulfide minerals. So, due to its acidic conditions and heavy metal in
mine waste, jarosite can be used as a proxy in remote-sensing studies to locate area of high
acidity and metal leachability, thereby providing arapid way to screen mined areas for potential
sources of acidic drainage.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OR IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH

JAROSITE DISPOSAL
Rapid industrialization and large scale infrastructural development in
India, has resulted in huge scarcity of construction materials and tremendous increase in the
environmental pollution. In India, total annual production of jarosite is approximately 1MT [5].

1
3
At present, the annual productionof jarofix is about 5 lacs metric tons while the unutilized
accumulated jarofix is about 15 lacs metric .The material is occupying costly agricultural lands
and has become an environmental
hazard. Contamination of heavy metals in the environment is of major concern because of their
toxicity and threat to human life and environment. The jarosite contains gangue materials as well
as traces amounts of various heavy metals which are prone to leaching. The jarosite mainly
contains Iron, sulfur, zinc, calcium, lead, cadmium and
aluminum. Jarosite released from Industrial processis complex and its quality and quantity make
the task more complex for safe disposal. Apart from water contamination, jarosite already
accumulated and its increasing annual production is a major source of pollution for surrounding
environment including soil, vegetation and aquatic life and hen
ce its disposal leads to major concern because of the stringent environmentalproduction
regulations . However, due to weathering /bacterial action there is a release of toxic elements in
soluble form which ultimately contaminate the soil, ground water and aquatic life due to
improper management of such hazardous waste.

CONCLUSIONS
Different materials viz. Jarofix, bottom ash, local soil, Jarofix-bottom ash mixes (25-75%) and
Jarofix-soil mixes (25-75%) were evaluated for their geotechnical characteristics. Different
laboratory tests were carried out
includes: Grain size analysis, Atterberg limit test, Proctor compaction test, CBR test, UCS test,
Consolidation test and Direct shear test. Stability analysis of embankment is carried out
considering the different saturation, surcharge
and earthquake conditions. Brief conclusions have been summarized below: Jarofix and bottom
ash are poorly graded, while the local soil is a well graded material. Both Jarofix and soil
exhibited non-swelling behaviour. Jarofix and bottom ash have low specific gravity as compared
to soil. The compaction curves are in general flat
for both of these materials indicating in-sensitiveness of dry density with moisture content. Low
CBR value of Jarofix materialis due to low dry density and its susceptibility to decrease in its
strength under saturated conditions. Jarofix material exhibited both cohesion and frictional
behavior indicating good shear strength characteristics. The low values of compression index for

1
4
both Jarofix (0.06) and bottom ash (0.04)indicated low compressible nature and low expected
settlements when used as embankment material. The variation of OMC and MDD for both
Jarofix-bottom ash and Jarofix-soil mixes are significant when the Jarofix content in the mix is in
the range from 25 to 75%.The increase or decrease of MDD and OMC is not predominant
beyond 75 % for the Jarofix content. It isobserved that CBR increases with Jarofix content for
the Jarofix-bottom ash mixes while it decreases for Jarofix-
soil mixes. It is observed that the increase or decrease is predominant upto only 75 % Jarofix
content. Jarofix (100 %), Jarofix-soil mixes (50-75%) and Jarofix- bottom ash mixes (50-75%)
have the potential for the construction oroad embankment. The low value of CBR, under
prevailing traffic intensity, results in high pavement thickness, and thus Jarofix material may not
be economically feasible for sub grade construction. Jarofix-soil and
Jarofix-bottom ash mixes (50-75%) may be used for construction of sub grade layer road
pavement.

References
1. International journal of civil engineering and technology,ISSN0976-6308,ISSN0976-
6316,VOLUME 5,ISSUE 11,November (2014).
2. international journal of computer and mathematical science ISSN 2347-8527 volume4,special
issue march(2015).
3. indian geotechnical councile December( 2011).

1
5