Abstract :
This review is intended to introduce the readers to the geotechnical properties of minestone obtained from various countries and to describe laboratory and field methods used to examine and evaluate such material. The contents of the paper consist of general information on the environmental consequences of coal mining, the origin of the by-product, and the classification of the material. Primary emphasis has been placed on describing the physical and mechanical properties with respect to geotechnical engineering. Characteristic properties, such as degradation, weathering, spontaneous heating, etc., are specific for this man-made soil and are discussed in relationship to civil engineering. Finally, the current and far-reaching effects of existing radioactivity is also presented. Preparation of the review is based on an extensive literature survey, as well as on the investigations of the author and practical applications.
A general conclusion can be made from the reviewed data that a noticeable similarity does exist between the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of minestone from different sources and countries. This is important because the research results and practical experience obtained in one country may then be applied to projects in another country.
The review should be helpful in understanding the behavior of minestone during its transport for prospective utilization in different engineering projects. The author hopes that the information will be useful to those studying environmental, civil, and water engineering, as well as for designers and researchers investigating the potential use of this man-made (anthropogenic) soil in various fields of engineering.
