EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF PLASTIC WASTE IN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT AND ANALYSIS BY EXPERIMENTS

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to study the effects of the use of plastic waste instead of replacing bitumen percentage (6%,8%,10%) on the physical properties of pavements. Plastics are user friendly but not eco-friendly as they are non-biodegradable, generally it is disposed by way of land filling or incineration of materials which are hazardous. 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. 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. Utilization of waste plastic bags in bituminous mixes has proved that these enhance the properties of mix in addition to solving disposal problems. The plastic waste (PE, PET and PP) contained 6%, 8% and 10% (by weight) are used as a binding material in the manufacturing of the flexible pavements. Tests were performed to determine the physical impact on bitumen and aggregate. The results indicate that the use of plastic waste enhance abrasion resistance and slip resistance of 20% and give pavements with low porosity (less than 5%). The results show continuous improvement in mechanical properties depending upon plastic waste content. Use of plastic waste as a binder significantly improves splitting tensile strength on flexible pavement independently of plastic type. In my research work I have done a thorough study on the methodology