Construction material properties of slag from the high temperature arc gasification of municipal solid waste

Justin G Roessler; Fernando D Olivera; Scott J Wasman; Timothy G Townsend; Michael C McVay; Christopher C Ferraro; Nawaf I Blaisi

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2016.03.031

Construction material properties of slag from the high temperature arc gasification of municipal solid waste

Waste Manag. 2016 Jun:52:169-79. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2016.03.031. Epub 2016 Mar 25.

Authors

Justin G Roessler¹, Fernando D Olivera¹, Scott J Wasman², Timothy G Townsend³, Michael C McVay², Christopher C Ferraro², Nawaf I Blaisi¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
² Department of Civil Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 116580, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA.
³ Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA. Electronic address: ttown@ufl.edu.

PMID: 27020344
DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2016.03.031

Abstract

Slag from the high temperature arc gasification (HTAG) of municipal solid waste (MSW) was tested to evaluate its material properties with respect to use as a construction aggregate. These data were compared to previously compiled values for waste to energy bottom ash, the most commonly produced and beneficially used thermal treatment residue. The slag was tested using gradations representative of a base course and a course aggregate. Los Angeles (LA) abrasion testing demonstrated that the HTAG slag had a high resistance to fracture with a measured LA loss of 24%. Soundness testing indicated a low potential for reactivity and good weathering resistance with a mean soundness loss of 3.14%. The modified Proctor compaction testing found the slag to possess a maximum dry density (24.04kN/m(3)) greater than conventionally used aggregates and WTE BA. The LBR tests demonstrated a substantial bearing capacity (>200). Mineralogical analysis of the HTAG suggested the potential for self cementing character which supports the elevated LBR results. Preliminary material characterization of the HTAG slag establishes potential for beneficial use; larger and longer term studies focusing on the material's possibility for swelling and performance at the field scale level are needed.

Keywords: Beneficial use; Gasification; Plasma arc; Slag; Waste to energy.

MeSH terms

Construction Materials*
Hot Temperature*
Incineration / methods*