Experimental Study on Plastic Waste as an Additive in Bitumen

– The rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization has led to a significant increase in plastic waste generation worldwide. Improper disposal of plastic waste has created severe environmental challenges, including soil pollution, water contamination, and harm to wildlife. At the same time, the construction industry faces issues related to the durability and performance of conventional road materials. This study explores an innovative solution by utilizing plastic waste as an additive in bitumen for road construction. The primary objective of this experimental study is to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating waste plastic into bitumen and to analyze its impact on the physical and mechanical properties of roads. The study investigates parameters such as strength, durability, resistance to deformation, and water resistance. Various proportions of plastic waste are blended with bitumen, and standard tests such as penetration test, softening point test, and ductility test are conducted to assess performance improvements