Properties of concrete made of fine aggregates partially replaced by incinerated municipal solid waste bottom ash

Abstract

The objectives of this research is to investigate the influence of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerated Bottom Ashes (MSWI-BA) on engineering properties of specimens when part of fine aggregate is replaced with it. Disposal of municipal wastes is a major key issue which causes a problematic challenge in Lebanon as landfill space for the disposal of ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) becomes rare. It becomes smarter to reduce the volume of materials being disposed. Recycling is one approach, waste minimization is the second, and combustion for energy production is the third. Therefore, one of the possibilities that have a beneficial impact on the environment and consequently on the society is to use Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) ashes in concrete production, as it is done with coal combustion products. The bottom ash features the most convenient composition for this purpose as it is available in highest amounts among the MSWI ashes. Bottom ash can be used as partial replacement of sand in concrete. This has the additional advantage of replacing sand and gravel, which must be mined sometimes from environmentally sensitive areas. The properties of concrete with partial substitution of sand by bottom ash up to 50% was investigated in terms of compressive strength, pulse velocity, capillary and total absorption. The bottom ash incorporated in the concrete behaves almost like ordinary sand. These results indicates that the use of waste in concrete constitutes a potential means of adding value and at the same time reduce greenhouse gases.