Application of Phosphogypsum in Road Construction
Currently the Republic of Belarus is solving the problem of processing a by-product - phosphogypsum, formed in the process of phosphorric acid production. The issue of utilization of phosphogypsum is becoming more and more relevant, and there are several reasons for this: transportation of phosphogypsum to dumps and its storage require large capital investments and operating costs; when creating phosphogypsum dumps, it is necessary to alienate large areas, sometimes even cultivated land; storage of this material in dumps, even with the neutralization of soluble impurities and with the observance of dump operational rules causes irreparable harm to the environment. There are known studies of scientists on the use of phosphogypsum for road construction as a binder for strengthening soils, foundations and repair work. The paper presents the results of experiments on obtaining road-building materials from this waste without converting it into a binder. Based on the research, a technology for the preparation of asphalt concrete mixtures with the use of mineral powder in the form of phosphogypsum dihydrate has been developed.