LIFE ECO-SANDFILL project to start

The main goal of the project is to demonstrate the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of using reclaimed Spent Foundry Sand (SFS) as fine aggregate in three construction applications, specifically for embankments, Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) and flowable mortars for injection.

As required, the surplus sand will be subjected to a novel mechanical treatment, which will ensure impurity removal and meeting the quality specified for each of the applications. As a result, the technical and environmental basis will be provided for the use of reclaimed SFS in construction applications, as well as the criteria for reuse of the reclaimed sand in making moulds and cores in the foundry.

The ultimate goal of the project is to contribute to a “close to zero” landfilling of the main solid waste flow in foundry. Waste sands can be a valuable material resource due to their high content in silica and their uniform physical properties, qualities that make them a potential secondary raw material in several industry sectors, after undergoing an advanced treatment for grain cleaning.