Utilization of dumped coal ash from power-plant landfills for carbon footprint reduction in sustainable pavement base construction

This study presents a novel methodology for repurposing dumped coal ash (DCA) from power plant landfills, aiming to reduce waste and lower carbon footprint of pavement base construction. Three DCAs were modified into two distinct particle groups through sieving: fine particles for cement replacement, evaluated against a ternary cementitious binder with fly ash (FA) and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FG) using Response surface methodology (RSM), and coarse particles for aggregate treatment. The modified DCA mixes and conventional cement-treated base (CTB) mix were compared for environmental and economic benefits through cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment. The results indicate that replacing fine DCA optimized setting time and compressive strength based on its chemical composition, aligning with FA and FG in the RSM process. A 25 % cement replacement with fine DCA balanced the mechanical properties of the modified cement, while a 50 % replacement with coarse DCA effectively improved aggregate properties compared to natural crushed rock. Modified DCA enhanced pavement engineering properties, surpassing the strength and resilience benchmarks of CTB mix. Utilizing optimal modified DCA mixes could reduce carbon footprint and costs by approximately 40 % and 44 %, respectively. Hence, the outcomes highlight challenges and opportunities for modifying DCA for resource conservation and low-carbon transportation infrastructure.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137462
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061824026047
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09500618
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Bualuang, Thanon
  • Jitsangiam, Peerapong
  • Chusai, Nutchapon
  • Suwan, Teewara
  • Rattanasak, Ubolluk
  • Chindaprasirt, Prinya
• Publication Date: 2024-8-30

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 137462
• Serial:
  • Construction and Building Materials
  • Volume: 441
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0950-0618
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09500618?sdc=1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Coarse aggregates; Decarbonization; Fly ash; Paving materials
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01929805
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 9 2024 9:56AM