Experimental Investigation on Performance and Durability of Waste Plastic Modified Bituminous Mixes for Sustainable Pavement Construction

Author

Shailendra Chaubey, Mr. Jitender Sharma

Abstract

 The increasing demand for durable road infrastructure, coupled with the growing problem of plastic waste disposal, has necessitated the development of sustainable alternatives in pavement construction. Conventional bituminous pavements are prone to distresses such as rutting, cracking, and moisture damage, particularly under heavy traffic and adverse environmental conditions. At the same time, improper disposal of plastic waste contributes significantly to environmental pollution. This study aims to investigate the potential of waste plastic as a modifier in bituminous mixes to enhance pavement performance while addressing waste management concerns.

An experimental approach was adopted in which waste plastic materials, including Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), were processed and incorporated into bitumen using the dry process method. Bituminous mixes were prepared with varying plastic contents of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. Standard laboratory tests such as penetration, softening point, ductility, Marshall Stability, flow value, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), and moisture susceptibility (Tensile Strength Ratio, TSR) were conducted to evaluate performance.

The results indicated a significant improvement in mechanical properties with the addition of plastic. Marshall Stability increased from 9.5 kN to 13.2 kN, ITS improved from 0.75 MPa to 1.05 MPa, and TSR values exceeded 85%, demonstrating enhanced resistance to moisture damage. The optimum plastic content was found to be 6%, beyond which performance slightly decreased due to increased stiffness.

The study concludes that waste plastic modification is an effective and sustainable approach for improving the strength and durability of bituminous pavements while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution.

Keywords

Waste Plastic, Bituminous Mix, Marshall Stability, ITS, Sustainable Pavements, Plastic Roads

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