Compressive strength, durability, and resilient modulus of cement-treated magnetite and hematite iron ore tailings as pavement material

The extraction and processing of iron ore produce significant amounts of mine tailings, causing environmental problems that require storage in reservoirs or dams. Using these materials in construction helps minimize their adverse impacts. This study analyzed the geotechnical properties of Magnetite and Hematite iron ore tailings (MIOT, HIOT) from the Golgohar mine in Sirjan, Iran. Two IOTs were compacted using the Standard Proctor technique after being treated with 5, 7, and 9 % Portland cement. Following curing time, treated samples were tested at different stress levels for resilient modulus. Based on the results, to meet strength and durability requirements, cement-treated MIOT needs 9 % cement. Contrastingly, only 5 % of the cement for cement-treated HIOT met the criterion. The resilient moduli of untreated MIOT and HIOT materials heavily rely on the confining pressure, resulting in a minimal decrease in modulus by increasing deviatoric stress. The effect of cement on resilient modulus is more pronounced in high confining stresses than in low confining stresses in MIOT and HIOT materials. A comparison of different non-linear models showed that 'Universal' model is the best fit for laboratory results of cement-treated MIOT and HIOT materials, as it accounts for hardening and softening behavior.