USE OF PLASTIC WASTE IN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

Disposal of waste materials including waste plastic bags has become a serious problem and waste plastics are burnt for apparent disposal which cause environmental pollution. Utilisation of waste plastic bags in bituminous mixes has proved that these enhance the properties of mix in addition to solving disposal problems. Plastic waste which is cleaned is cut into a size such that it passes through 2-3 mm sieve using a shredding machine. The aggregate mix is heated and the plastic is effectively coated over the aggregate. This plastic waste coated aggregate is mixed with hot bitumen and the resulting mix is used for road construction. The use of the innovative technology will not only strengthen the road construction but also increase the road life as well as will help to improve the environment. Plastic roads would be a boon for India’s hot and extremely humid climate, where temperatures frequently cross 50°C and torrential rains create havoc, leaving most of the roads with big potholes. In my research work I have done a thorough study on the methodology of using plastic waste in bituminous mixes and presented the various tests performed on aggregates and bitumen.