Ash recycling: feasibility study for production of blocks to the civil construction

Author(s)

Josiane Ramos Nogueira

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 2011-10-07

Examining board members

Eduvaldo Paulo Sichieri; Javier Mazariegos Pablos; Almir Sales

• Advisor: Eduvaldo Paulo Sichieri

Abstract

The recycling of waste has been the subject of several studies and research, since the environment has undergone many environmental impacts due to the development of the industry worldwide. For that reason, many companies have adopted socalled sustainable marketing strategies, trying to meet a requirement that currently involves the whole society: the sustainable development. And one way to achieve sustainable economic development while minimizing impacts on the environment is the use of generated waste by applying it to different production processes. Therefore, this research proposes the use of ash from burning coal added to the lime and sand, generated by circulating fluidized bed reactor of an industry that produces aluminum located in the industrial area of São Luís, Maranhão. The aim of this study is to evaluate the best use of industrial solid waste in cementitious matrices. The experimental investigation starts with the classification and characterization of the waste in nature, evaluating its pozzolanic potential. From the test results it was possible to indicate that its best use is as an aggregate, due to its nonpozzolanic characteristic. Also, due to its small granulometry and high specific surface, it is proposed the ash to be added as a filler. The next step involves the production of matrices composed by cement, sand and ash (used as filler). At this stage various compositions were tested, assessing their mechanical properties and efficiency on the matrix stabilization. The composition that better responded to these questions was 1: 1.5: 1.5 (cement: sand: ash), once it showed good mechanical performance using large amounts of waste. This matrix was subjected to further testing and was subsequently used to produce the compressed blocks. The blocks showed good mechanical and physical performance. The efficiency of waste stabilization in the matrix showed good levels in solubilized extracts and up to 100% stabilization by solidification, but some parameters still showed results above the established by the norm. We conclude that the blocks made using fly ash can be used in construction, since some recommendations regarding their production and use are followed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/03789-6 - Recycling ash: feasibility study for production of blocks for construction from a residual fluidized deb reactor fly ash
• Grantee: Josiane Ramos Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master