Employing cold bonded pelletization to produce lightweight aggregates from incineration fine bottom ash

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash fine particles (0–2 mm, BAF) are a potential building material, but their possible environmental risk and poor physical properties hinder their application scale. In this study, the cold bonded pelletizing technique is applied to produce artificial lightweight aggregates using BAF and other industrial waste powders, as a way of recycling BAF mainly. The properties of the produced aggregates are determined and compared with other artificial aggregates. Moreover, the growth mechanism of the pellet with BAF and the role of BAF on pellet strength are addressed. The leaching properties of this aggregate are evaluated according to the environmental legislation. In addition, this aggregate is used as natural aggregate replacement in concrete to investigate its influence on concrete properties.