Development of controlled low-strength material derived from beneficial reuse of bottom ash and sediment for green construction

• Municipal solid waste bottom ash and dredged sediment can be used to produce CLSM.
• The utilization of wastes was up to 80% by mass for the studied CLSMs.
• The compressive strength of CLSM made with bottom ash is higher than with sediment.
• The CLSMs are classified as non-hazardous according to the U.S.EPA regulations.
• Based on the properties, CLSMs are suitable for various construction applications.

Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) was newly designed using municipal solid waste bottom ash and dredged sediment as raw materials. Up to 80% of waste utilization by mass was achieved with all requirements fulfilled as general CLSM. The compressive strength of CLSMs made with bottom ash is generally higher than that of sediment. The formation of C–S–H gel contributes to the strength development and heavy metal immobilization from wastes. The heavy metal concentrations in the TCLP leachates of CLSM are far below the U.S.EPA regulatory standards, and the CLSMs are suitable for a wide range of construction applications.