CoalAshMan Video Archive
Old Dog, New TikTok Tricks
Meet CoalAshMan; he's the old dog who is ready to learn new tricks.
The Headlines Don’t Tell the Whole Story
What comes up when you Google “coal ash”?
You might see the word toxic pretty quickly.
But there’s a whole lot more to the story.
50 Million Tons? Now That’s Recycling.
Think coal ash is something that gets thrown away?
Think again.
Wacker Drive in Chicago is a great example of what can happen when coal ash gets a second life.
The Romans Were Doing It First
Coal ash may seem like a modern concept, but the idea of using ash in construction is anything but new. The Romans understood something we’re still learning from today… Sometimes, what looks like waste can be a valuable resource.
Coal Ash Under a Microscope
Okay, CoalAshMan is getting nerdy.
What actually happens when you look at coal ash up close?
In this Geek Mechanical Edition, we're going under the microscope to explore the science, engineering, and tiny details that make coal ash such a fascinating material.
The Pozzolanic Reaction
Okay, CoalAshMan is getting chemical.
What actually happens when coal ash reacts with other materials?
In this Geek Chemical Edition, we're breaking down the pozzolanic reaction and exploring the chemistry that makes coal ash such a useful material. It’s the science behind how coal ash can react, form new compounds, and contribute to stronger, more durable products.
CoalAshMan Takes a Dam Vacation
CoalAshMan is on vacation.
But apparently, he can't stay away from coal ash.
This time, he's visiting Hungry Horse Dam—the first dam in the United States to use large volumes of coal ash in its construction.
My Job Description
For years, none of CoalAshMan's kids were interested in following Dad into the coal business.
Then came Career Day.
When it was time to explain what Dad did for a living, one of the kids reluctantly—and a little embarrassingly—introduced him with a nickname that stuck.
The EPA Uses Coal Ash?
Okay, this one is worth a closer look.
CoalAshMan is at EPA headquarters, a building with a long history. Originally built as a post office, the building was later taken over by the EPA and renovated.
And during that renovation, coal ash was used in the concrete.
Think about that for a second.
The agency responsible for regulating coal ash recognized an opportunity to put it to use in a major renovation project.
Coal Ash Checks Into the Willard
The Willard Hotel has a lot of history.
Located just steps from the White House, the iconic Washington, D.C. hotel is famously associated with the origins of modern lobbying.
But there's another piece of history hiding in the building.
During the Willard's restoration in 1986, coal ash was used in the renovation.
So, while the lobbyists were making history upstairs, coal ash was quietly becoming part of the building's history, too.
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