In the heart of Slavonia, a region rich in wood biomass, a groundbreaking experiment is reshaping the way we think about road construction and waste management. Sanja Dimter, a researcher affiliated with an unknown institution, has been leading a pioneering study on the use of wood ash in road building, with results published in ‘Građevinar’, which translates to ‘Civil Engineer’ in English. The findings are not just scientifically intriguing but also hold significant commercial implications for the energy sector.
The research focuses on a test section of an internal road where wood ash was used to enhance the bearing capacity of the subgrade and construct the base layer of the pavement structure. The results are astonishing. Laboratory and field tests revealed that wood ash stabilization increased the bearing capacity of the subgrade by a staggering 155 to 235% compared to natural clay subgrade. But the benefits don’t stop at construction. Due to the binding properties of wood ash, the bearing capacity continues to improve even after the road is built. “We observed an increase of 31 to 39% in bearing capacity within just 14 days of construction,” Dimter explains, highlighting the long-term advantages of this innovative approach.
The base layer, constructed using different fractions of wood ash, achieved a compressive modulus of 60 to 80 MN/m², meeting the required bearing capacity criteria. This means that wood ash not only improves the subgrade but also serves as a robust material for the base layer, potentially reducing the need for traditional, more expensive materials.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Wood biomass is a significant byproduct of the energy industry, and managing this waste sustainably has long been a challenge. By repurposing wood ash in road construction, the energy sector can reduce disposal costs and environmental impact while contributing to more economical and sustainable road building practices.
Dimter’s work opens up exciting possibilities for future developments. As the demand for sustainable construction methods grows, the use of wood ash could become a standard practice, particularly in regions with abundant wood biomass. This shift could lead to more rational and economical designs, benefiting both the construction and energy industries.
The experiences from this test section confirm the potential of wood ash in improving subgrade bearing capacity and constructing base layers. As Dimter’s research gains traction, it could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, driving innovation in road construction and waste management. The future of road building might just be paved with wood ash, and the energy sector is poised to play a pivotal role in this green revolution.
