SLUDGE3D: Valorization of WWTP sludge in the construction sector

Principal researcher:

José Luis Bonet Senach

Team members:

• Pedro Francisco Miguel Sosa
• Miguel Ángel Fernández Prada
• José Ramón Albiol Ibáñez
• Rogelio Franco Segarra
• José Vicente Cabo Navarro

Funding Agency:

Duration: 20/04/2023 – 16/02/2026

Reference: INNEST/2023/214 

Abstract

In the field of wastewater treatment, sludge generation has progressively increased to an annual production in the Valencian Community of about 400,000 tons. Sludge management can account for up to 50% of the operating costs of WWTPs, and the majority (≈90%) is valorized as organic amendment in agriculture. However, the entry into force of the modification of RD 1310/1990 makes the destination of sludge to agriculture more restrictive, leading to the need for sustainable solutions, as proposed in the AVI SLUDGE 3D project, which aims to valorize these residues in the construction sector.

The main objective of SLUDGE3D is to develop a more sustainable concrete by incorporating these sludges that cannot be used in agriculture, as a substitute for traditionally used raw materials. This concrete will be developed with the premise of using it through additive construction technology (3D printing), providing the inherent advantages of this technology that will enhance the quality and sustainability of the final product. During the project’s development, the valorization of the residue will be studied technically and economically to gather data for evaluating the process and the final product on the project scale.

As a final and demonstrative outcome of the project, a scaled-down prototype of a pedestrian footbridge will be built using 3D printing

SLUDGE3D is a project co-financed by the Valencian Agency of Innovation (AVI) and the European Union through the Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) for the Valencian Community 2021-2027 (INNEST/2023/220).