Compaction Characteristics of Bottom ash

Abstract

The present study based on compaction characteristics of Bottom ash. As bottom ash is one of the coal combustion by-products which is collected at the bottom of the furnace of coal fired thermal power plant which is the main source of production of coal ashes. In this investigation three types of bottom ash have been used. There are several factors which affect the dry density of the bottom ash, as: specific gravity, moisture content, compaction energy, layer thickness and mold area. The variation in the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of bottom ash (collected from three different sites) as per standard proctor compaction energy is 9.77 -10.46 kN/m3 and 37-42%, respectively. In the study it has been seen that variation in the above factors affecting the dry density of bottom ash considerably. On the basis of these factors, an empirical model has been developed to calculate the dry density of bottom ash in terms of compaction energy, specific gravity and moisture content. This model might be helpful for engineers to control the compaction in the field and also a preliminary estimation of MDD and OMC of bottom ash on the field.