ABSTRACT
Industrialization is the vital to the development of any country's economy. However, on the other hand, the production of industrial waste is increasing enormously, which adversely effects the environment and natural resources. Red mud is also a widespread industrial waste produced during aluminum extraction from bauxite ore in Bayer's process. To minimize the impact of this solid waste material, the effective method is to utilize it in construction works with suitable stabilization. This study outlines the characterization of red mud and its utilization as a pavement subgrade construction material based on the laboratory findings and finite element analysis results. Basic properties like specific gravity, particle size distribution, Atterberg's limits, optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) are determined. Engineering property like shear strength is determined and result is discussed in geotechnical point of view. The model footing test has been performed in laboratory under different conditions (dry and partially saturated) to check the suitability of red mud as a pavement subgrade construction material. The finite element (FE) analysis is performed using commercially available software and the result is compared with laboratory model test. The result shows that red mud can be used as subgrade material. However, as the red mud is extremely dispersive, it needs protection against erosion.
