1. Cour
Reinfo
Spr
APPLICATION
INC
Date
Course Project Final Report
Reinforced Concrete Structures
Spring 2013 – CES4702
NS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID W
CINERATION ASHES
Submitted By:
Carlos Gálvez
Date
Date of Submittal: 4/15/13
Professor: Dr. Yun
T.A: Mr. Paradis
1
WASTE

2. 2
1. ABSTRACT
Thousands of millions of tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are produced every year.
Generally, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) produces two main types of ash, which
can be grouped as bottom ashes (BA) and fly ashes (FA).
In this paper, we will go over the procedure to obtain these different ashes, the MSWA
applications, the regulations related to them and the pros and cons of their uses.
With respect to the MSWA applications, although there are a lot of different ways to use
them, we will focus, mainly, on its uses related to the cement and concrete.
Last but not least, we will explain how MSWI ash can reduce landfill space and how it
could reduce the carbon dioxide emissions and save energy too, by reducing the amount of
cement production. Furthermore, we will study the behavior of cement and concrete with this
MSWI ash. It is important to take into account thought that long term durability of structures
using MSWA has not been determined yet. In another hand, we will present as well the
inconvenient of using this ash such as the presence of leaching toxic substances, heavy metals
including Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) and the treatments they require to be able to be used safely.

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8. CONCLUSIONS
Since thousands of millions of tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are produced every
year, we need to figure out how to manage and use this matter. MSWI produces two main types
of ash: Bottom Ashes and Fly Ashes. They have different physical/chemical make-up because
they are obtained with different procedures, thus, their applications and regulations are also
different.
Talking about the physical/chemical make-up of MSWI ash, it is important to know that
metals, acidic gases or dioxins can be found in BA and in FA, and if they are left untreated, they
can be very harmful. All those toxic materials have been decreased, in the past 30 years though,
due to “The 3-T Rule” adopted by EPA in 1987: Temperature, Time and Turbulence.
Regarding to the procedure to obtain these ash, it is very important to extract, before
incineration, firstly, the recyclable, compostable, and reusable stuff; and then, the unsuitable
materials such as batteries or appliances to avoid possible explosions and/or contributions of
concentrations of pollutant precursors. During the whole process, it is necessary not to forget
about “The 3-T Rule” and to take care of the emissions of organic compounds so as to reduce
them.
As we have read in this paper, MSWI ash is used in cement and concrete production. Cement
production consumes huge quantities of energy and emits large amounts of carbon dioxide.
However, by using MSW ash, which is composed of lime instead of calcium carbonate, it can be
reduced the carbon dioxide emission.
MSW bottom ash could be used as concrete aggregate. The smaller is the particle size of the
bottom ash, the higher is the compressive strength of the concrete. Plus, MSW bottom ashes are
environmental friendly; since they are available all around the world and its uses reduce the
amount of ash that goes to the landfill.
Although, there are some problems with the addition of MSW ash in the cement or in the
concrete mix, all those problems could be solved with the proper pre-treatment.
In conclusion, MSWI ash can reduce landfill space and carbon dioxide emissions as well as
save energy.