Development of Erosion Control Block Containing Waste Ash from Palm Oil for Promoting Natural Vegetation

Abstract

This study focused on development of erosion control block containing waste ash (i.e., bottom or fly ash) from palm oil for preventing soil erosion and promoting natural vegetation. The erosion control block was successfully designed and produced for promoting natural vegetation. The influence of bottom ash or fly ash on compressive strength of erosion control block was investigated. The maximum compressive strength in this study, with the value of 27.7 MPa was found for the erosion control block containing bottom ash/dust stone at the amount of 24%. On the other hand, as for fly ash erosion control block, the reduction of
compressive strength was found to increase with an increase in amount of fly ash. The maximum compressive strength, with the value of 26.2 MPa was found for the erosion control block containing fly ash/dust stone at the amount of 1.66%. The performance testing of erosion control block containing waste ash from palm oil for hydraulic stability in open channel flow was also investigated. The result revealed that erosion control block still remained in place and prevented soil erosion from the force of flowing water.
Moreover, the vegetation naturally occurred on erosion control block containing waste ash from palm oil after one month testing.