Performance of Treated Sludge as a Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Construction Application

Abstract

Large quantities of sludge are produced during the conventional processes of coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation in water treatment plants. The volume of sludge generated during water treatment process can be as high as 2% of the total volume of water treated. The cost of treatment and the disposal of the sludge plays a significant part of a water treatment plant. As the disposal of sludge produced from water treatment plants is highly expensive and difficult, valuable reuse options have been proposed to remove the sludge. In India, there are numerous emanating treatment plants bringing about mounting of sludge. It is very difficult and expensive to transfer the sludge from treatment plant. The more waste generated by the plants creates environmental problems of toxic threat. The treated waste sludge materials can be used as a replacement of fine aggregate to minimize the landfills is one of a cost-effective solution to this problem. There is a lack of conventional construction materials such as cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate due to the rapid increase in construction activities. To find replacement materials in construction many research have been conducted. The usage of treated sludge as a fine aggregate in construction material is an environmentally friendly option for the disposal sludge generated by water treatment industry.