Research on the durability and Sustainability of an artificial lightweight aggregate concrete made from municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash (MSWIBA)

This study chooses to use three common cementing materials, Portland cement (OPC), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash (FA), as the binder for the production of three artificial lightweight coarse aggregates (ALCAs) through cold bonding with municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) in which MSWIBA accounts for 70% of the total content by volume. In this study, three ALCAs were used to replace 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% of natural aggregates used in the production of concrete. Through capillary water absorption and rapid migration of chloride ions, the effect of the replacement amount of ALCAs on the durability of concrete was explored. Additionally, in accordance with the Material Sustainability Index (MSI), a statistical analysis of the CO2 emissions, energy consumption and cost of the concrete made of the three ALCAs was carried out. Studies have shown that ALCAs can improve the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) and pore structure of concrete, thereby improving the ability of concrete to resist chloride ion penetration. In addition, the use of ALCAs can reduce the cost of concrete. Among the ALCAs used in this study, those which use GGBFS and FA as adhesives (without OPC) can improve the durability of concrete the most and reduce CO2 emissions.