This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using bottom ash and dredged soil from a coal power plant and EAF dust from the steel industry as primary materials for the production of ALA. The effect of different raw material compositions and sintering temperatures on the lightweight aggregate properties were evaluated. The results indicate that the higher the SiO2 content, the more bloating below 1100 oC. In contrast, ferrous materials were mainly effective for the bloating of ALA above 1100 oC. The optimum EAF dust contents in coal ash mixtures were 10~15 wt.% and artificial lightweight aggregates having an apparent density under 1.0 g/cm3 were produced at 1150 oC~1200 oC in 10 minutes.

Keywords: Artificial lightweight aggregate, Bloating, Ferrous materials, EAF dust.