Physico-Chemical Behaviour & Microstructural Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerated Ash Associated with Compressible Soil

Abstract

All around the world, compressible soils can undergo significant volume changes, settlements, and deformations when loads are applied, which poses challenges for construction projects. Numerous researchers have looked into the stabilization of compressible soil by various chemicals and waste products. The new waste material that is now emerging is Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) ash, which is a waste product generated by the municipal waste incineration plant. In this research, the stabilization of compressible soil samples has been done with varying percentages of MSWI ash to investigate the best suitable combination of MSWI ash and compressible soil for the stabilization purpose. This research underscores the importance of implementing stringent safety and monitoring protocols when using MSWI ash in construction to protect human health as per USEPA guidelines by conducting the leaching test. In this study, physical, index properties, unconfined compressive strength, and leaching behaviour of  soil sample with varying percentage of MSWI ash have been investigated. The obtained results shows that the mixing of MSWI ash in compressible soil as a stabilizer enhances the UCS, MDD and other strength properties of soil by decreasing their plasticity. Microstructural and mineralogical behaviour of soil have also been investigated. It is found that 20% of MSWI ash is required to be mixed with the soil for the optimum results. The study recommends implementing stabilization techniques to minimize heavy metal leaching and calls for continuous monitoring to ensure the safe and sustainable use of MSWI ash in construction projects.