Potential uses of waste sludge in concrete production. Issue 6 (11th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramirez, Kleber Gomes; Possan, Edna; Dezen, Bianca Gabriel dos Santos; Colombo, Mauricio
• Is Part Of: Management of environmental quality. Volume 28:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 821
• Page End: 838
• Publication Date: 2017-09-11
• Subjects: Waste -- Concrete -- Industry construction -- Sludge -- Water treatment plant; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.98
• DOI: 10.1108/MEQ-09-2015-0178
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-7835

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to address the use of sludge from water treatment plant (WTP sludge), in its natural form (wet), in the construction industry, especially in the production of concrete, evaluating the effects of replacing natural sand with different WTP sludge levels in the concrete properties. Design/methodology/approach: The dosage study evaluated mixtures with replacement levels of 0, 5, 7 and 10 percent of wet sludge in relation to the mass of natural sand, analyzing their effects on mechanical properties and water absorption in concrete with water/cement (w/c) ratios of 0.45, 0.55 and 0.65. Findings: From the results obtained, it is possible to note that the addition of WTP sludge in its natural form (wet) reduces the strength of concrete. However, from a technical point of view, a level of replacement of up to 5 percent for applications in concrete is suitable, provided that it is not structural concrete. Practical implications: Further studies should be conducted to verify the influence of the replacement of sand for heat-treated sludge in concrete properties, also analyzing the environmental viability linked to the calcination process. Originality/value: Few studies are conclusive in relation to the use of WTP sludge in concrete production. This study shows statistically the negative effect of the addition of wet sludge in the mechanical properties and in the water absorption of concretes from different w/c ratios.