Graduation Semester and Year

2016

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Department

Civil Engineering

First Advisor

Melanie L Sattler

Abstract

According to US, EIA 2014 coal alone produces nearly 40% of electricity more than another source in US. Out of the 110 million tons of Coal combustion by-products (CCBs) generated per year as a result of coal combustion, 47% is reused whereas 53% is stored on-site or sent to landfills. There are a number of adverse economic and environmental impacts associated with storage and disposal of coal. Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas (GHG), contributing 32% of current climate forcing (US EPA, 2015). Landfill gas comprises of 50-55% CH4 and 40-45% CO2. Global warming potential of CH4 is 28 times that of CO2. Landfills are the 3rd largest source of US human methane emissions. The current work is a preliminary study that examines the potential use of Class F fly ash (non- cementitious) in landfill covers to reduce emissions of methane. Eight laboratory scale reactors or columns were constructed which contained 2 types of soil, 2 kinds of fly ash and 4 combinations of fly ash/soil. The suitability of each of these combinations in columns was compared to determine which combination best assisted in methane removal.

Keywords

Fly ash, Landfill, Methane, Coal combustion residuals (CCR)

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering | Civil Engineering | Engineering

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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