NEW CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS
Belgium, Germany, Portugal and France
Partners
New University of Lisboa, RWTH Aachen University IAR, Soletanche-Bachy, Solvay, Renewi, Intertec, Insavalor-Division Polden
Contact
Nuno Lapa
New University of Lisbon
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia da Biomassa
Ed. Departamental Piso 3, gab. 362
Campus de Caparica
2829-516 Caparica
E. ncsn@fct.unl.
T. +35 121 294 854 3
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The amount of natural resources yearly used by the building sector is very high and leads to considerable loss of natural resources and environmental degradation. Facing this situation, many countries restrict the authorization of opening quarries and support measures for uses of recycled materials. In addition, the reduction of municipal waste to be landfilled leads to the development of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators producing residues and especially heavy non-combustibles residues named bottom ash. The purpose of the VALOMAT project was to develop the use of bottom ashes in civil engineering.
According to the performed market review of potential applications and to the state of art in the field of bottom ash use and environmental regulations in Europe, bottom ashes must be treated before any use.
VALOMAT project focused on two potential applications:
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The main target was quarry and mine backfilling. Treated bottom ashes filled in open quarries or underground cavities could minimize the risk of collapse or caving-in on a cost level, that will make preventive backfilling acceptable.
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Underground concrete for in-situ piles or diaphragm walls would achieve a medium strength concrete with high durability properties. Regionally high volumes of concrete are needed for such foundation projects.
PROJECT GOALS
To develop new formulations of concretes and mortars based on the reuse of inorganic materials from MSW incineration plants.
FUNDING TYPE: EU FP6