Environmental performance, mechanical and microstructure analysis of non-fired bricks containing water-based drilling cuttings of shale gas

The exploration and development of shale gas technology provide a way to utilize clean fuels with high efficiency and minimum environmental impact. However, the accumulation of water-based drilling cuttings (WDC) from oil and gas field development is causing serious waste of land resources and environmental safety problems. This work presents an experimental study on the feasibility of recycling original WDC as replacements for fine aggregates and as part of cementitious materials for the manufacture of non-fired bricks. Mechanical and physical properties, detailed environmental performance, and microstructure analysis were carried out. Meanwhile, the original hydrated products and hydration process of WDC brick were evaluated with, FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared), XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). The outcomes indicated that WDC have certain pozzolanic characteristic and a significant impact on the durability and strength of non-fired bricks. The best properties achieved with the help of 50% WDC which meet grade M10 according to a Chinese standard (GB/T2542-2012). Environmental performance tests provides that the WDC used as the raw material for non-fired bricks, and from the technical point of view, does not have environmental pollution.