Low cost and eco-friendly building materials derived from wastes: Combined effects of bottom ash and water treatment sludge

Abstract

This research purposes to develop fired bricks with good physical–mechanical properties by mixing water treatment sludge (WTS) and MSWI bottom ash (BA). BA was incorporated into the WTS at the dosages of 10–40 wt%, and specimens were fired at 900–1100 °C temperatures. The apparent porosity, water absorption, bulk density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, freeze–thaw resistance and LOI were measured. Besides, the leaching procedure and microstructure were investigated to evaluate the fired brick toxicity and quality. Regardless of the firing temperature, bulk density increased by increasing BA while water absorption and apparent porosity were reduced. Experiments exhibited that BA replacement in fired WTS materials yielded acceptable physical–mechanical properties and it has been demonstrated a new potential added value reuse application for both significant waste materials.