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ICASF-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1110 (2023) 012042 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1110/1/012042

A Review on Utilizing Municipal Solid Waste Incineration

(MSWIA) in Construction Activates

Preetpal Singh, Amardeep Boora and Ashok Kumar Gupta

PhD Research Scholar, Assistant Professor and Professor
Civil Engineering Department, JUIT, Solan

Corresponding author’s e-mail- preetrishal@gmail.com

Abstract. In the previous decades there has been substantial study on implementation of municipal
solid waste incineration ash in constructional operations. This has led in the development of waste
recycling and management solutions. Regardless of the massive investigations and the subsequent
modifications to MSWI ashes, the reuse plans for MSWI ashes are constrained. Incineration of
municipal solid waste permits the burning of organic materials at a very high temperature, which
results in the development of energy in the form of gases and ashes. The ashes so collected from
the procedure are classed as bottom ash or fly ash. These ashes are now-a-days been employed in
numerous constructional operations as a substitute or alternative for different constructional
materials. The basic purpose of the study is to emphasize the review of MSWI ash in
constructional activities taking into consideration its qualities and performance in different
materials. The article also addresses the existing state of MSWI ash utilization, its technical
features and performance.

Keywords: MSWI ash, Municipal Solid Waste Management, Incineration ash, MSW in construction.

1. INTRODUCTION
The implementation of MSWI ash is one of the concerns which are attaining a proliferating acceptance all around
the world. Many countries around the world have been analysed to be using the MSWI ash in various constructional
activities and plans. Incineration is defined as a waste treatment process or waste-to-energy strategy that converts the
organic fraction of solid waste into carbon dioxide and water along with other residues namely bottom ash and fly
ash [1]. Bottom ash is basically the by-products of combustion within the incinerator, while fly ash is solid residue
that is obtained from reactor and filter. The metals thus obtained from the ash can be recovered and rest of the part
can be recycled. Although the recycling of the ash from incineration is widely been used in many parts of the world,
the environmental considerations of the same have not been analysed much [2].
In the recent times, the papers published have presented the different issues related with MSWI as air pollution and
the degradation because of heavy metals. The concentration of these toxic gaseous effluents is controlled by utilizing
Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) [3]. The advanced incinerators have the provision for waste-to-energy
recovery approach. These approaches are named as mass burn (MB), fluidized bed combustion (FBC) and refuse-
derived fuel (RDF) [4]. Numerous studies have been conducted related to MSWI ash in context to engineering

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ICASF-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1110 (2023) 012042 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1110/1/012042

aspects of utilizing bottom ash (BA) and Fly ash (FA) while using them in different constructional activities. BA is a
type of grate ash which is released from furnace grate and then is obtained from quenching tank and FA is a fine
material which is extracted prior to injecting sorbent for treatment of gaseous effluent [5-6].
The primary objective of the present paper is to review the utilization of MSWI ash- BA and FA in context to
different applications in construction as a substitute to one or other construction material or element. The paper
highlights
i. Present applications of MSWI ashes- BA and FA
ii. Application of MSWI ashes- BA and FA taking into consideration engineering properties or characteristics.
iii. Limitations of ashes when are used as substitute for constructional activities.
.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Background Information

A huge amount of municipal solid waste is been generated worldwide. The different countries generate different
amount of waste as illustrated in Figure 1 [7]. The figures are in kilograms per capita between 2005 and 2019 [7-8].

Others, 3.3%

Food,
14.6%
Yard
Trimming,
Paper, 27.0% 13.5%

Glass, 4.5% Wood, 6.2%

Plastic,
Metal, 9.1% 12.8% Rubber,
Leahter and
Textile, 9.0%
Figure 1. Municipal Waste Generation statistics

The waste management industry in Germany has emerged as one of the best countries to treat the municipal solid
waste. It efficiently utilizes waste-to-energy approach by enhancing the waste recovery rate and quality of by-
products hence obtained from incinerated bottom ash [9]. Germany has successfully been able to recycle almost
65% of its BA, recovers ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and landfills around 28% of its waste [10]. The salt
concentrate obtained from the ash and residues from scrubbers is widely been used to backfill the mines. This help
in avoiding the occurrence or development of subsidence [11]. Another study conducted in France apropos of MSWI
BA and FA utilization in construction stated that the resultant ashes, of incineration, are best used as a substitute or
binder in road basement, for stabilizing industrial effluent sludge and as a binder in connection with cement [12]. It
also has been highlighted that France focus on recycling the BA to the maximum efficiency and is able to recycle
approximately 79% of BA for constructional activities [13]. One of the studies in Sweden demonstrated the usage of
MSWI BA as a filling material which is used beneath the landfill site [14].

MSWI BA may have been used in street progress between 1983 and 2000, for example, if it came to an agreement
on a few basic quality measures. These models were not expensive since they could be met with the base ash from
most MSW incineration plants, so they were not given current environmental vulnerability assessments [15]. MSWI
ash usage in Denmark was controlled by Legislative Order No. 655 of June 27, 2000, on the use of ashes and soil for
filling up and street development, which took effect in January 2001 [16].

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ICASF-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1110 (2023) 012042 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1110/1/012042

Another research in Nagpur, India, focused on the use of polymerized fly ash as a substitute for traditional river
sand. As the over utilization of natural river sand is resulting into the negative impacts on the environment [17].
Currently, high-volume fly ash and broken sand are commonly used as a substitute for coarse sand in construction
[18]. The author highlighted that GFS is developed by geo-polymerising the incinerated fly ash and for effective
utilization the physical, mechanical, chemical characteristics are compared with the characteristics of natural sand
[17-18].

The another examination conducted, the research facility preliminary led to deliver fly ash geo-polymer sand as a
substitution for the characteristic waterway sand in concrete [19]. The properties of fly ash geo-polymer sand
include molecule size appropriation, pH, and specific gravity, and mortar properties. The authors employed
scientific quality crystalline quartz and sodium hydroxide in this investigation, and the setting time for fly ash geo-
polymer sand was long (100 degrees Celsius for 1 week), but it could be cut in half and used in concrete. The study
then begins to look at the value of geo-polymer fly ash sand (GFS) as a substitute for common waterway sand
(NRS) and the decrease of the relieving period to 60 minutes. Moreover, on the usage of modern assessment of
sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide rather than lab grade compositions to satisfy an amicable environment just as
techno-efficient material to displace the draining NRS and additionally to use the country's abundant fly debris [20].

The Sultanate of Oman is researching using combustion ash to substitute fine total in good black cement. The
amount and specific gravity of incinerator ash and a synthetic waste leachate were tested. Up to 40% MSWI ash was
used in hot-blend blacktop. Ideal combinations were used to test moisture resistance. The findings suggest that
MSW debris can be used as a partial substitute for upper and bottom course mixes in solid black combinations at 15
and 20 percent, respectively [21].

An investigation investigating the use of MSW base ash as a substitute material for combustion bottom ash in
concrete began after an investigation into the use of combustion bottom ash in concrete. In concrete mixtures, the
researcher employed MSW ash gravel with diameters range of 20 to 4 mm. Swelling and cracking in reaction to
metallic aluminium in MSW ash combined with concrete resulted in a loss in strength, according to the findings. A
sodium hydroxide treatment that allows approximately half of MSW ash to be utilized in concrete without
sacrificing strength has been developed [22].

In many areas of the globe, interlocking asphalt blocks are a popular new option for outdoor flooring. Using a solid
blend ratio of 1:2:4 and a water-to-solidify ratio of 0.45, performance was improved by weight-rate replacement of
fine and coarse aggregates with recycled waste ash (RWA) at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and
90%. It was then reinstalled for a 28-day period the interlock block tests. After that, the specimen's unconfined
compressive strength (UCS) and water assimilation characteristics were assessed. There is a strong connection
between the RWA-containing tests and the control tests, demonstrating the importance of incorporating RWA in the
development of interlock blocks. Results from the RWA-containing test were better than those from the control
experiments in terms of UCS and water assimilation. Research shows that RWA materials may be utilized to replace
both coarse and fine totals when sieved appropriately, indicating that RWA can be beneficially reused [23].

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) from an Italian metropolitan strong waste incinerator was used at the lab scale in the
other study as aggregate in concrete bonded mixes and black-top cement for street asphalt. The project field was
used to assess the density, volume, and mechanical qualities of the soil, as well as the environmental effect of
leachate. The results showed that SBA complies with natural Italian legislation for the reuse of non-hazardous
waste, but had only a minimal influence on the final pressure strain behavior. As a consequence, it was
recommended that the maximum concentration be 10 percent [24].

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE INCINERATED ASHES

The ash characteristics depend upon its physical and chemical characteristics. These parameters are related to the
type and operating parameters of the incinerator that produces the ash.

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ICASF-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1110 (2023) 012042 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1110/1/012042

3.1 Components of MSWI BA and FA

These characteristics depend upon the composition of MSWI ash, which are mentioned in Table1.

Table 1: MSWI fly ash and bottom ash mixtures [25]

Fly ash (Wt%) Bottom ash (Wt%)
Compound
China Portugal Japan France China Portugal France Italy
SiO2 18.81 2.75 11.67 26.25 54.1 42.65 48.43 36.38
Cao 22.63 38.2 13.52 15.44 14.8 21.67 15.43 21.89
AI2O3 0.45 1.81 7.76 10.74 8.5 5.71 6.63 10.48
Na2O 5.68 11.07 16.85 4.88 4 5.9 5.13 2.3
K2O 5.23 7.85 7.07 4.82 0.6 2.02 0.23 0.23
Fe2O3 3 - 0.87 0.82 4.6 0.93 6.73 86.61
Mgo 2.78 1.17 2.28 1.54 1.5 4.01 1.73 2.47
ZnO 19.79 0.04 0.85 0.39 - 0.42 - -
CI 9.16 26.56 14.61 6.22 0.5 1.32 0.57 -
SO3 7.74 4.09 5.2 2.02 2.8 5.24 0.47 -
others 18.81 2.75 11.67 26.25 54.1 42.65 48.43 36.38

Moreover, the concentration of MSWI FA and BA is illustrated below in Table 2.

Table 2: Heavy metals in MSWI fly ash and bottom ash [25]

Material Country Heavy metal concentration (mg/Kg)

Cr Pb Cu Zn Cd Ni
China 178 2702 983 4518 87.5 68
Fly ash Spain 788 390 149 158988 3.5 88
Japan 233 3742 1793 20988 222.5 -
Italy 107 956 166 - 82.5 43
China 575 462 834 9770 7.4 140
Bottom Japan 183 2454 579 1682 80.9 59
ash
USA 1419 4292 3083 1348 68.5 47
Spain 110 3326 4852 3506 0.3 125

3.2 Physical and chemical characteristics:

3.2.1 Physical Characteristics/Properties

MSWI FA is generally light grayish or dark grayish in color [26] and, has a particle size more than cement. The
density has been specified to be in the range of 1.5-2.4 g/cc [27]. Moreover, MSWI FA is stated to have high
porosity value and adsorption rate [28]. On the other hand, MSWI BA has been reported to be spherical in shape
wherein because the particle size is uneven, it has the strength to form a good structure [29].

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ICASF-2022 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1110 (2023) 012042 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1110/1/012042

3.2.2 Chemical Characteristics/Properties

To understand the impact of MSWI FA and BA on environment, the leaching is required to be detected. The
leaching in this case is detected and analyzed for heavy metals. Leachate thus generated and collected is found to
have Zinc, lead, Chromium in it. It is stated that the concentration of heavy metals is high in FA as compared to BA.
Leaching is associated with pH, particle size and liquid-solid ration along with many other factors [30].

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The fact that MSWI BA and FA have the requisite physical and chemical qualities has led to their widespread use in
a variety of constructional endeavors. According to what was discussed in the parts of this article that came before
this one, MSWI FA and BA are utilized either as a substitute for the constructional materials that they stand in for or
in a set ratio with the other material. Both of these applications are described below.
As an aggregate component, the substance known as MSWI BA is utilized in cement-stabilized Macadam. FA is
also utilized as subgrade for landfill sites in order to prevent the additional problem of ground water exploitation
caused by the production of leachate. This is accomplished by utilizing FA. The purpose of this practice is to prevent
leachate from getting into the ground water supply. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the MSWI FA and BA
have exceptional properties for use in building, but they do have some negative effects on the environment,
including leaching.
One of these negative effects is the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. The following are some
examples of these negative effects: Additionally, it has been noted that MSWI BA has a low amount of heavy
metals, which implies that the leaching will be decreased and vice versa. This is due to the fact that MSWI BA has
been treated with an ion exchange resin. The use of MSWI BA on a large scale as an aggregate in cement, landfill
liners, and coatings has been examined, whereas the use of MSWI FA on a large scale as an aggregate in cement
concrete, ceramics, and the like has been utilized.

5. RECOMMODATIONS

It is recommended that, after the pretreatment, the appropriate methods for utilizing MSWI FA and BA should be
formulated. These should be done so as soon as possible. This should be done while keeping in mind the harmful
consequences that MSWI FA and BA have on the surrounding environment. In addition to this, a sizeable quantity
of MSWI ash is generated, which has the potential to be applied in a wide range of research contexts.
The process of leaching, on the other hand, results in the formation of a significant number of heavy metals that are
gathered together in concentrated form. In terms of the concentration of heavy metals, the MSWI FA fulfills its
maximum potential. As a consequence of this, it has been proposed that a fresh strategy for the treatment and
management of MSWI patients with BA and FA should be established and put into practice.

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