Investigations into stabilized structures with the use of waste foundry sand

Y Zhang,L Korkiala-Tanttu,T Sappinen,M Vilenius

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/710/1/012028

Y Zhang, L Korkiala-Tanttu + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/710/1/012028

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Abstract

In the light of carbon-neutral society and circular economy, attempts were made in this study to utilize the waste foundry sand (WFS) in high volume as a pavement construction material. A series of laboratory tests, including but not limited to particle size distribution, Proctor, pH values, shear box and compressive strength test were performed to investigate the technical soundness of the material. Insufficient strength of the stabilized WFS has promoted the utilization of a mixture containing not only WFS but also quarry fines. The compressive strength test results show high potentials of such stabilized mixtures for pavement constructions. Yet further research is still needed to consider the durability and environmental aspects in the future.

Highlights

In the Finnish construction business, the legislation has become more lenient on the utilization of secondary raw materials
In the light of carbon-neutral society and circular economy, attempts were made in this study to utilize the waste foundry sand (WFS) in high volume as a pavement construction material
While the legislators are most concerned about environmental risks and for example leaching, this study aims to prove the technical soundness of some typical secondary materials in Finland

Summary

Introduction

In the Finnish construction business, the legislation has become more lenient on the utilization of secondary raw materials. Even though recycled materials such as WFS have found its applications in non-load bearing structures, e.g. embankments and noise barriers [1], it is of great importance in the circular economy business to reduce the natural resource depletion and promote the utilizations of recycled and secondary materials. It is important to find substitutive solutions for higher quality materials and high requirement applications rather than consuming substantial amounts of non-renewable natural resources. For these reasons it is important to research ways of getting higher strength from the secondary materials [2]. The usage of WFS in load-bearing pavement structures was studied with mixtures of stabilized samples

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