The engineering performance of EICP-modified municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash for road construction

Abstract

Municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) emerges as a potential alternative to natural aggregates due to its similar mineral composition and engineering properties as embanking fillings. However, the instability and environmental pollution risks of MSWIBA limit its large-scale application. This study proposes to employ Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) technology to enhance the mechanical properties of MSWIBA and reduce its environmental impact. Initial analyses focused on the basic physicochemical properties and morphological changes of MSWIBA before and after modification. Then the modified MSWIBA exhibited improvements in shear resistance, resilient modulus, and permanent deformation behavior. It was also found that existing resilient modulus and permanent deformation predicting models for soils are applicable to EICP-modified MSWIBA. The column leaching tests were conducted on samples subjected and not subjected to freeze–thaw and dry-wet cycles. The results revealed the modified MSWIBA released reduced heavy metal concentrations in both water and acid leaches. These findings establish a solid theoretical foundation for employing EICP-modified MSWIBA as an embankment fill material, highlighting the potential for wider adoption of this eco-friendly alternative in road constructions.