This image shows a roadway constructed using municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash from Pasco County as a recycled aggregate. The material, produced from the combustion of solid waste, is processed and repurposed as a base or structural layer in pavement systems. This approach promotes sustainable infrastructure by reducing landfill waste while providing a viable alternative to traditional aggregates.
This project led to our Pre-Treatments research, led by Dr. Patel under the supervision of Dr. Ferraro. We found that metallic aluminum in MSWI ash reacts with the alkaline pore solution in concrete, generating hydrogen gas. Before setting, this gas creates large voids, and after setting, it can cause expansion and cracking within the hardened material. The goal of the pre-treatment process is to deactivate the aluminum reactivity, primarily through washing or soaking, before the ash is used as an aggregate. If successfully scaled, this approach could improve the performance of MSWI-based concrete while providing a more sustainable solution for managing MSWI residue. Additionally, there is potential to capture the generated hydrogen gas for future energy applications. Read more here: Pretreatment of MSWI BA for use in Concrete – Concrete Materials Research