Utilization of Waste-Activated Sludge as A Substitute in Fired Clay Brick Production
Abstract
Currently, Thai industrial spending is high for waste-activated sludge (WAS) disposal in Thailand, particularly in tapioca starch production that uses an activated sludge wastewater process. WAS is a significant problem in several wastewater treatment plants. Previous disposal methods, such as landfills and incineration, are not sustainable and proper due to limitations of environmental concerns. Therefore, this research was interested in using WAS as a soil substitute in fired clay brick production. Seven mixing ratios between normal clay soil (NS) and WAS (1:0 (control), 0.9:0.1, 0.8:0.2, 0.7:0.3, 0.6:0.4, and 0.5:0.5 by dry weight) were established in this research. Three parameters were considered for testing the properties of the finished fired clay brick as follows: density (D), water absorption (WA), and compressive strength (CS). It was found that the bricks with the addition of 10% WAS (at a mixing NS:WAS ratio of 0.9:0.1) were suitable for construction work due to the produced lightweight bricks and the high compressive strength according to the Thai community product standard (TCPS). However, there was a limitation on the use of produced brick, which has high-water absorption. The bricks should be soaked in water before using. Thus, WAS is a promising soil substitute for recycling in fired clay brick production, resulting in many financial benefits and environmental advantages as compared to the traditional WAS disposal. In addition, this research can be used as a guideline for WAS application from other sources.References
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