Evaluation on the Potential of Ashes Derived from Industrial Boilers Co-Firing Coal and Recycled Fuels as Concrete Materials(1/2)

Project Details

Description

This study plans to investigate the potential of boiler ashes, including fly ash and bottom ash, produced from co-firing coal and industrial by-products in coal-burning boilers as supplementary cementitious materials or recycled aggregate for making concrete. Four possible sources of industrial by-products as supplementary fuels have been selected, including (1) textile-manufacturing sludge, (2) waste plastics RDF, (3) waste tire chips, and (4) paper-making sludge. The aim is to evaluate the potential of using co-firing boiler ashes as supplementary cementitious materials or aggregate in making concrete. The study will start with investigating current status of industrial by-products as supplementary fuels for coal-burning boilers in the industry. Representative boiler ash samples produced from boilers co-firing coal and industrial by-products will be collected for basic characterization tests such as specific gravity, sieving, adsorption, pH, and chemical contents. Based on the basic characteristics of ashes obtained from co-fired boilers, an evaluation on the potential of these ashes as supplementary cementitious materials/aggregate will be assessed, and the need for further treatment of the raw material will also be considered. The focus of the evaluation includes not only the general criteria used for pozzolanic materials/aggregate, but also the variability in the quality of these ashes and the high sulfur content commonly encountered on boiler ashes. These 2 factors are, actually, critical for potential application of these ashes as supplementary cementitious materials/aggregate to concrete-making. The results of the study will be summarized such that the pros and cons of such application can be disclosed and an objective criteria established on the quality standards of co-fired boiler ashes for use as concrete making materials. The finding will help the administrative authority in drawing up the codes in the management of the boiler ashes derived from boilers co-firing coal and by-product supplementary fuels.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/08/1931/07/20

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Keywords

  • coal-burning boiler
  • co-firing fly ash
  • recycled supplementary fuels
  • supplementary cementitious materials
  • recycled aggregate

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