Environmentally Sustainable Utilization Of Recycled Plastic Waste In Bituminous Pavement

Abstract

The disposal of plastic waste has become a critical environmental issue, contributing to pollution and global warming. The Roads and Highways Department of Bangladesh manages over 375,000 kilometers of national, regional, and district roads, with an increasing need for more durable and cost-effective pavement solutions. In response to the environmental challenge posed by plastic waste, a novel approach utilizing recycled plastic in bituminous mixtures for road construction has shown significant promise. The plastic waste, primarily composed of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, is shredded, coated over aggregates, and mixed with hot bitumen to create a strong, durable pavement. This not only enhances the properties of bituminous mixtures but also provides a solution to the disposal of plastic waste, reducing environmental pollution. The addition of waste plastic to bitumen improves the stability and strength of the compacted mixtures, as confirmed by Marshal stability tests, which demonstrate better performance compared to conventional mixtures. This technology offers several advantages, including increased resistance to common pavement defects such as potholes, ruts, and cracking, while also enhancing the pavement's durability. Furthermore, the incorporation of titanium dioxide as a smoke-absorbent material helps mitigate vehicular emissions, a significant environmental concern, particularly in Bangladesh’s hot-humid climate. This paper discusses the use of waste plastic in bituminous mixes, focusing on the benefits of the modified binder in enhancing pavement performance, reducing maintenance costs, and promoting sustainable plastic waste management. The study highlights the potential of this innovative technology to revolutionize road construction by addressing both environmental and infrastructural challenges. Keywords: Plastic waste, bituminous pavement, polymer-modified bitumen, waste plastic modified bitumen, environmental sustainability, Marshal stability, pavement durability.