Investigating the effect of W/C ratio in producing cement blocks using BA from waste to energy plant

Abstract

Bottom Ash (BA), a byproduct of coal or solid fuel combustion in power plants, poses environmental and health risks due to inadequate disposal methods. Utilizing BA in manufacturing cement blocks offers a promising solution. This study investigates the optimal water/cement ratio for producing blocks using BA as a partial substitute for fine aggregate. It assesses BA characteristics and examines the mechanical, and durability properties of the blocks. The research produces solid cement blocks measuring 300 mm × 100 mm × 150 mm, with water/cement ratios ranging from 0.8 to 1.4 in the conventional table vibratory method and 0.6 to 1.4 in the hydraulic compaction method. Results show that increasing the water/cement ratio leads to increased density, compressive strength, tensile strength, and moisture content up to 1.2 water/cement ratio and reduced after in conventional table vibratory method and up to 1.0 water/cement ratio and reduced after in hydraulic compaction method. The analysis suggests that, for small and medium-scale conventional cement block production for loadbearing walls of residential buildings up to four storeys the conventional table vibratory method can be used and it can be extended up to five storeys using the hydraulic compaction method.