Evaluation of Physical, Chemical, and Environmental Properties of Biomass Bottom Ash for Use as a Filler in Bituminous Mixtures

Abstract

The road construction sector is one of the most raw material-intensive sectors in existence. As a result, it has a significant impact on the environment. For this reason, there are several research projects in which industrial by-products are used as raw materials. In turn, energy production from biomass combustion is considered to be one of the most promising energy sources. However, this type of energy produces a number of wastes that need to be treated, such as biomass bottom ash. This research evaluates the properties of biomass bottom ash for use as a filler in bituminous mixtures and quantifies the environmental advantages of its use. For this purpose, the chemical composition of the ashes was analysed and their properties were physically characterised to confirm their suitability as a filler. Subsequently, the advantages of its processing compared to limestone filler, lime, or cement were calculated with SimaPro software. The results showed acceptable properties of biomass bottom ash for use as a filler, as well as a drastic reduction in the environmental impact of its processing. In short, this research presents the basis for the development of further bituminous mixtures with biomass bottom ash, reducing the extraction of raw materials and avoiding landfill disposal.

Leaching of Chlorides, Sulphates, and Phosphates from Ashes Formed as a Result of Burning Conventional Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Municipal Waste in Household Furnaces

“…The content of Cl − ranged from 15.7 to 63.2 mg/kg, and in the case of SO 4 2− , the differences were even greater, ranging from 1210 to 15,430 mg/kg. A high concentration of sulphur compounds (6.43 wt % and 3.3 wt %) in biomass bottom ash was also recorded by Suárez-Macías et al [23] and Link et al [21], respectively. These findings are perfectly in line with our results.…”

“…Horák et al [19] obtained similar data for ashes after combusting various fractions of municipal waste, indicating that in the case of floor coverings mixed with dry beech, the content of chlorides may reach even up to 191,000 mg/kg. A high concentration of chlorine (4.7 wt %) in biomass bottom ash was also observed by Suárez-Macías et al [23] and Link et al [21]. In water extracts, the concentration of chloride was considerably lower and amounted to 134 mg/kg on average [23].…”

“…A high concentration of chlorine (4.7 wt %) in biomass bottom ash was also observed by Suárez-Macías et al [23] and Link et al [21]. In water extracts, the concentration of chloride was considerably lower and amounted to 134 mg/kg on average [23].…”

“…Similar findings have been published by Horák et al [19], who demonstrated the risk of incinerating solid fuels mixed with municipal waste. The subject of incinerating or co-incinerating various types of biomass, individually or in combination with solid fuels, has also been addressed by Bachameier et al [20], Link et al [21], Monedero et al [22], or Suárez-Macías et al [23].…”

Contribution to the Research on the Application of Bio-Ash as a Filler in Asphalt Mixtures

“…The studies conducted so far [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] have revealed that bio-ash considerably varies as to its composition and properties, depending on the origin of the biomass, biomass handling, and the combustion technology and temperature. The wide range of compositions and properties of bio-ash requires the testing of individual sources with the purpose of determining the possibility of using bio-ash in road construction as a substitute for traditional materials.…”