Characterizing Harbor Dredged Sediment for Sustainable Reuse as Construction Material

Abstract

An unprecedented rate of construction has profoundly increased the risk of scarcity of natural resources and threatened ecosystem sustainability. To establish an effective sustainable development policy, it is imperative to promote the use of responsible production channels, including waste recycling. Reuse of harbor dredged sediment is commonly investigated as a valuable alternative to non-renewable natural resources needed for construction. Sediment characterization is decisive in the valorization process, aiming to identify potential recycling paths. Existing research efforts, however, have rarely investigated case studies in developing countries. Moreover, they have tended to focus on the technical aspects, ignoring economic feasibility, which carries important implications. This paper fills this gap first by meticulously selecting laboratory tests for characterization within the means available in developing countries and second by conducting a cost-benefit analysis. The port of Safi, Morocco, was chosen for the implementation of the adopted approach. Results showed that dredged sediment is a sand readily reusable as a construction aggregate. Several applications are possible, the most interesting one being concrete works, as a substitute for conventional sand. While treatment by washing and dehydrating proved necessary, cost-benefit analysis confirmed the profitability of recycling. Hence, beneficial reuse of dredged sediment as construction material is technically and economically feasible.