Laboratory and statistical study on bauxite liquefaction risk reduction for sustainable bulk transport

Amelioration of bauxite stability through the reduction of liquefaction risk when transported in solid bulk cargoes ensures the safety of the ship and achieves cost optimization. Incorporating the substituents like gypsum at the portion of 2 – 6% facilitates the alkali-aggregate reaction and vermicompost at the portion of 4 – 10% promotes the addition of carbon content. Other factors like water-holding capacity and incubation period examine the state of bauxite transition thoroughly. This research examines the physical properties of bauxite, including the grain size distribution at 2.5 mm and specific gravity as the influencing responses by complying with the IMSBC code. Afterward, the statistical analysis was utilized to mainly generate the Response Surface Methodology with a sum of thirty (30) designs. It began with the screening phase of bauxite designs, and the relationship was established by the Pareto Chart. Only gypsum and vermicompost were detected to be effective, generating the R 2 values for both responses at 0.9350 and 0.8885. The validation of statistical data was implemented using the aggregate stability test, which involved interpreting the Mean Weight Diameter, Geometric Mean Diameter, and Erodibility Factor. This examination validates that the optimum percentage of gypsum was 6%, and vermicompost from 4% to 6%. The data were also verified by the Transportable Moisture Limit, where these percentages of substituent surpassed the initial moisture content of bauxite at 24.07%. In short, stabilizing the bauxite with gypsum and vermicompost diminishes the liquefaction possibility, safeguards the life and property, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.