Evaluation of alkali-silica reactivity behavior and mitigation in waste-to-energy bottom ash for sustainable aggregate use in concrete.

The beneficial use of waste-to-energy (WTE) bottom ash (BA) as a recycled aggregate in concrete enhances sustainability by reducing reliance on virgin aggregates and diverting industrial waste from landfills. One of the most limiting challenges for this reuse opportunity includes the potential for alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) caused by elevated silica inherent to WTE BA glass and ceramic particles interacting with hydroxides introduced by cement. Two WTE BA-derived aggregates were investigated, and in both cases the test material demonstrated elevated ASR-induced expansion compared to control specimens.