Geotechnical Characterization of Biomass Ashes for Soil Reinforcement and Liner Material
Abstract
Biomass ashes (BA) have been intensively studied as amendments for soil in earthworks. This paper aimed to geotechnically characterize BA from pines and olive trees compared to the soil from Castelo Branco, Portugal. Namely, granulometry, specific gravity, Atterberg limits and optimal compaction values were obtained and analyzed in order to valorize the residue incorporated into soils. This work is part of broader efforts to develop an alternative material that can be used in hydraulic barriers as liners and for soil reinforcement. Thus, BA can contribute to reductions in weight and plasticity, and filling properties. Further studies are needed, particularly mechanical and hydraulic performance tests.
Keywords: biomass ashes, geotechnical and mechanical properties, residue valorization, soil reinforcement, liner material
References
[1] Vassilev SV, Baxter D, Andersen LK, Vassileva CG. An overview of the composition and application of biomass ash. Fuel. 2013;105:19–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2012.10.001
[2] Loo S, Koppejan J. The handbook of biomass combustion and co-firing. Earthscan; Routledge, 2007.
[3] Salvo M, Rizzo S, Caldirola M et al. Biomass ash as supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Advances in Applied Ceramics. 2015;114(1):3-10. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743676115Y.0000000043
[4] Obernberger I, Supancic K. Possibilities of ash utilisation from biomass combustion plants. Paper presented at: Proceedings of the 17th European Biomass Conference; 2009 29 Jun – 3 Jul; Hamburg, Germany.
[5] Rubinos DA, Spagnoli G. Utilization of waste products as alternative landfill liner and cover materials – A critical review. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 2018;48(4):376–438. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2018.1461495
[6] Vassilev SV, Baxter D, Andersen LK, Vassileva CG. An overview of the composition and application of biomass ash: Part 2. Potential utilisation, technological and ecological advantages and challenges. Fuel. 2013;105:19–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2012.10.001
[7] Galvín AP, López-Uceda A, Cabrera M, Rosales J, Ayuso J. Stabilization of expansive soils with biomass bottom ashes for an eco-efficient construction. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2020; 28:24441-24454. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356- 020-08768-3
[8] Cabrera M, Rosales J, Ayuso J, Estaire J, Agrela F. Feasibility of using olive biomass bottom ash in the sub-bases of roads and rural paths. Construction Building Materials 2018;181:266–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.06.035
[9] ISO 17892-1. Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 1: Determination of water content; 2014.
[10] ISO 17892-2. Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 2: Determination of bulk density; 2014.
[11] ISO 17892-3. Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 3: Determination of particle density; 2015.
[12] ISO 17892-4. Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution; 2016.
[13] ISO 17892-12. Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 12: Determination of liquid and plastic limits; 2018.
[14] BS 1377-4. Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes - Part 4: Compaction-related tests; UK: British Standards Institution; 1990.
[15] Osinubi KJ, Eberemu AO. Hydraulic conductivity of compacted lateritic soil treated with bagasse ash. International Journal of Environmental Waste Management. 2013;11(1):38–58. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEWM.2013.050522
[16] Daud NN, Muhammed AS, Kundiri AM. Hydraulic conductivity of compacted granite residual soil mixed with palm oil fuel ash in landfill application. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering. 2017;35(5):1967-1976. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706- 017-0220-1
[17] Bajwa TM, Fall M. Mechanical characteristics and behavior of compost-based landfill cover. Paper presented at: Proceedings of 2011 Pan-AM CGS Geotechnical Conference; 2011 Oct 2– 6; Toronto, Canada.
[18] Marchiori L, Alburquerque A. Critical review of industrial solid wastes as barrier material for impermeabilization of storage waste facilities. Paper presented at: Proceedings of 5th Symposium on Urban Mining and Circular Economy – SUM2020; 2020 Nov 18-20; Sardinia, Italy.
[19] Kuokkanen T, Nurmesniemi H, Pöykiö R, Kujala K, Kaakine J, Kuokkanen M. Chemical and leaching properties of paper mill sludge. Chemical Speciation Bioavailability 2008;20(2):111-122. https://doi.org/10.3184/095422908X324480
[20] Slim GI, Morales M, Alrumaidhin L et al. Optimization of polymer-amended fly ash and paper pulp millings mixture for alternative landfill liner.Procedia engineering. International Conference on Sustainable Design, Engineering and Construction. 2016 May 18-20; Tempe, Arizona, USA ; 145:312-318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.04.079