Studies on Development of the Tunisian Phosphogypsum for Construction Bricks

Title: Studies on Development of the Tunisian Phosphogypsum for Construction Bricks
Author(s): Belaïba
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on the Use of Recycled Materials in Building and Structures
Editor(s): E. Vázquez, Ch. F. Hendriks and G.M.T. Janssen
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-52-7
e-ISBN: 2912143756
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 1026 - 1034
Total Pages: 9
Nb references: 8
Language: English

Abstract: Phosphogypsum is a waste of the phosphoric acid production, which is a principal
constituent of the modern fertilizer. Many attempts of its development in various domains
were indicated by several authors. Phosphogypsum is used in building materials in many
countries (Japan, Australia ...) especially in the fabrication of plaster after elimination of
awkward impurity contained in phosphogypsum or after adaptation of industrial process to
obtain a phosphogypsum more pure.
Concerning Tunisia, the natural gypsum of good quality exists in many regions. This
gypsum is employed among others to manufacture plaster for which consumption at the
national level is less than 0.1 million tons per year. The purification of phosphogypsum for
use in the plaster industry is not competitive for Tunisia. A future potential of employment of
phosphogypsum not purified as a construction material comes to light in the fabrication of
bricks and of blocks produced by static press process.
This paper presents results of a study of physical and mechanical properties of bricks of
tunisian phosphogypsum raw or mixed up with other materials obtained by static press. These
results show that certain mixing processes have the minimal criteria of strength allowing an
eventual development of phosphogypsum in the building sector, to be considered in Tunisia.

Online publication: 2004-09-29
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143756.113