A major concern for coal-fired power plants throughout the nation is disposal of bottom ash. This by- product of coal combustion is produced in large quantities and disposal is costly. Presently, bottom ash is disposed of in landfills throughout the nation. Landfilling is not an efficient and environmentally feasible method of disposal.Research utilizing bottom ash as a fine aggregate in asphaltic concrete has previously been conducted on small scale projects; however, research has not determined the long-term stability, durability and constructability of asphaltic concrete using locally produced bottom ash.The proposed program is directed at demonstrating the feasibility of using bottom ash as a fine aggregate in an asphaltic concrete pavement. The projected location of the pavement will be an urban street supplied by a local municipality.Utilization of bottom ash as fine aggregate is particularly important in northeastern Wyoming where suitable aggregated for all types of pavements must be transported a minimum of 80 miles from quarries. The transport of this material is costly which limits pavement maintenance and new road construction for local municipalities.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::Successful development of durable asphaltic concrete pavements incorporating bottom ash as a fine aggregate offers economic benefits for both municipalities and power plants. Asphaltic concrete pavements can be constructed at less cost to municipalities and power generation facilities can reduce operating costs for disposal, thus, ultimately reducing consumer costs for electricity. Using bottom ash in pavements will also aid in soil and water conservation by reducing environmental impacts from landfills and aggregate mining.
