Utilizing Biomass Gasification Ash as an Admixture in Concrete for Sustainable Environment and New Construction Applications: An Experimental Pilot Study

摘要

As a renewable energy source, biomass gasification is expected to help reduce thenation's dependency on foreign oil and/or other fossil fuels. The ash generated from theprocedure remains one of the challenges to achieve total sustainability of the renewable energyprocess. The experimental study funded by Illinois Sustainable Technology Center will helpfinding sustainable construction applications of ash from one of the largest biomass projects inthe nation; the Renewable Energy Center of Eastern Illinois University (EIU).The Renewable Energy Center at Eastern Illinois University consumes 30,000 tons of biomassannually, producing approximately 1,500 tons of ash as a byproduct. While biomass is a majorsource of renewable energy, the ash generated from biomass gasification process poses a greatchallenge towards accomplishing a total sustainability. A multidisciplinary team was formed toconduct an experimental research incorporating this biomass gasification byproduct intoconventional Portland cement concrete. Using the biomass gasification ash in concrete will notonly consume this ash, but also may lead to developing a new type of concrete suitable forcertain structural and/or architectural applications within the construction industry.