Research Advances on the Use of Solid Wastes in Concrete and Asphalt
The use of solid wastes in civil engineering materials, such as concrete and asphalt, has been explored around the world for decades with varying degrees of success. Previous work supported by the Hinkley Center, “Use of Solid Waste in Asphalt and Concrete in Florida”, demonstrated that utilizing waste-to-energy ash in concrete and asphalt is feasible from a physical performance and environmental health standpoint. Researchers from the University of Florida observed that using waste-to-energy ash in these materials resulted in a product that met minimum specifications (e.g., strength, durability), but not to the degree of concrete and asphalt made with virgin materials. This trend was also documented in the extensive literature review by UF regarding waste-to-energy ash-amended concrete and asphalt.
Still, this research revealed that other waste materials, such as ground glass, may limit these deleterious effects when used in conjunction with waste-to-energy ash. For example, utilizing ground glass as a supplementary cementitious material has been shown to mitigate potential reactions that limit the strength and durability of waste-to-energy ash-amended portland cement concrete. Waste-to-energy ash is typically screened to a desired size fraction prior to reuse (e.g., coarse aggregate), but it can also be further treated/processed through other means (e.g., advanced metals removal or washing using water or even other solutions) to improve its physical performance and reduce leachability of heavy metals or other detrimental constituents that limit reuse. The goals for this project include:
- Conduct an extensive literature review of the use of ground glass as a supplementary cementitious material and methods of treatment/processing waste-to-energy bottom ash to increase its reuse potential
- Examine the combined use of ground glass and waste-to-energy bottom ash in portland cement concrete
- Examine how various means of ash treatment/processing can improve beneficial use marketability
- Assess the economic feasibility of using waste-to-energy bottom ash and ground glass instead of natural aggregates and cement
This project is funded by the Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management.
Project Scope: HC17Scope
Progress Report
Progress Report 1 HC17PR01
Progress Report 2 HC17PR02
Progress Report 3 HC17PR03
Progress Report 4 HC17PR04
Progress Report 5 HC17PR05
Progress Report 6 HC17PR06
TAG Meeting Presentations
October 2017 TAG Presentation: HC17TAGOCTOBER06
May 2019 TAG Presentation: HC Solid Wastes Reuse in Concrete & Asphalt Presentation Slides May 2019
Final Report
May 2019 Final Hinkley Center Report: HC Final Report Solid Wastes Reuse in Concrete & Asphalt May 2019