Compressive strength and heavy metal leaching of concrete containing medical waste incineration ash

Abstract

This paper provides the results of the study on solidification/stabilization (S/S) of medical waste incineration bottom ash (MWBA). S/S is a process reducing heavy metals leachability of materials, and so as permitting disposal of them in a sanitary landfill. This process can be also described as a recycling facility because the usability of solidified matrix as a building material according to mechanical characteristics. In this study, S/S process was studied at different ratios of ash/cement mixture (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40% and 50%) and two different curing times (7 days and 28 days). The results of the study showed that S/S method can able to prevent the heavy metals leachability of MWBA. The concrete compressive strength decreased with increasing MWBA ratio. The compressive strength was 38 MPa for 100% cement with 0% MWBA ratio. The compressive strength reduced to 11.3 MPa when 50% cement was mixed with 50% MWBA. The data obtained from experimental study was also evaluated statistically. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.