MSW Incinerator Ash as Aggregate in Concrete and Masonry

Abstract

The properties of concrete and concrete masonry using municipal solid waste (MSW) ash as fine aggregate were studied. Mass‐burn combined ash and refuse‐derived‐fuel (RDF) bottom ash were studied. The properties included com‐pressive strength, expansion, time of set, unit weight, leaching characteristics, and gas generation by the mixtures. These ashes were not suitable for use in concrete because of low strength and cracking caused by gas generation. Some concrete‐masonry specimens containing ash had adequate strength but had bad smell and cracking and spalling problems. Mass‐burn ash produced higher concrete and concrete‐masonry strengths than RDF ash. EPTOX tests showed that leachate from the MSW concrete or concrete masonry did not exceed toxicity limits.