The researchers combined biosolids - a
by-product of sewage treatment - with
a crushed brick additive that would
otherwise have gone to waste.
Image: iStockphoto
Melbourne’s growing stockpile of biosolids could be significantly reduced, thanks to new research from Swinburne University of Technology.
As part of a study into sustainable infrastructure, researchers determined that biosolids – by-products of the sewage treatment process – are suitable for use as fill material in road embankments.
According to lead researcher, Dr Arul Arulrajah, the findings could go a long way to reducing the 67 000 tonnes of biosolids that Melbourne produces each year.
“We conducted tests on the shear strengths and compressibility of untreated biosolids, as well as biosolids stabilised with additives such as cement, crushed brick and lime,” he said.
“We found that biosolids, stabilised with additives, are suitable for carrying the embankment and traffic load, and can be used as fill material for road embankments.”
As Melbourne’s population increases, finding innovative uses for biosolids is a key challenge facing the water industry.
The Swinburne researchers’ solution – to combine biosolids with a crushed brick additive – has numerous environmental benefits. Not only are the biosolids being recycled, but crushed brick that would otherwise go into landfill is also being used.
According to Arulrajah, the research has shown that biosolids can provide a sustainable resource for road embankment construction in new roads, or in the repair or expansion of existing roads.
The research was supported by the Smart Water Fund, an initiative of Melbourne’s water businesses in partnership with the Victorian Government.
Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.
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