USE OF WASTE PLASTICS IN BITUMINOUS LAYER OF PAVEMENT

Abstract

Today the availability of the waste plastics is enormous, as the plastic materials have become part and parcel of our daily life due to its economic value, easily availability, easy processability, light-weight, durability and energy efficiency. Therefore as the use of plastics is increasing day by day, the amount of waste plastic generation is also increasing at the same rate. Their present- disposal--is -either--by_land filling or by incineration. Both the process are not Ecofriendly. Improper disposal of waste plastics can arise the problems like breast cancer, reproductive problems in humans and animals and genital abnormalities. Under these circumstances, an alternative use for the waste plastics is also the need of hour. The better binding property of plastics in its molten state has helped in finding out a method of safe disposal of waste plastics, by using them in road laying. In the present study, the plastic bag is taken as the waste plastic and its effect on the physical properties of bitumen and on the bituminous mix properties has been studied. The waste plastic is added to three bituminous mixes (Bituminous Macadam, Semi Dense Bituminous Concrete, and Bituminous Concrete). The bitumen is heated to around 140°C and to that the waste plastic (plastic bag) after processing, is added. Plastic gets melted and mixed with the bitumen. Then this mix is added to aggregates heated to around 170°C. When mixed with hot bitumen, plastics melt to form an oily coat over the aggregate. Then various tests like Marshall Test, Indirect Tensile Strength Test, and Fatigue Test etc. have been conducted on the bitumen-polymer-aggregate mix. From the test results it has been found that the mix has Higher Tensile Strength, Higher Fatigue Strength, lower Penetration Value and higher Marshall Stability etc. The study concludes that saving in bitumen quantity can be achieved by using these materials. 111