Particle size and moisture content evolution during incineration bottom ash weathering

Abstract This article collected samples of incineration bottom ash from landfill areas, storage yards, and areas weathered for 2 months. These samples represent bottom ash conditions immediately after removal from the incinerator, which were stored for 1-2 weeks and experienced extended weathering. Particle size analysis revealed significant disintegration of the bottom ash during weathering. After two months of weathering, the proportion of particles larger than 4 mm (grades 7–8) decreased by 14.8%, while the proportion of particles in the 0.3–2 mm range (grades 3–5) increased by 15%. The weakening of particle size correlations after weathering signals that disintegration has produced a more stable bottom ash structure. Analysis of sample moisture content showed that the weathered fine-grained fraction exhibited relatively high moisture content.