Evaluation Of Strength Characteristics Of Flexible Pavement Layers Modified With Plastic Waste

Abstract

Plastics became a part of every day lives due to low cost, durability, and functionality. The non-biodegradable nature of plastics is a menace to the environment and decades of efforts to effectively recycle plastics have been unrewarding since repeated recycling deteriorates the quality of plastic and the cost of collection, sorting, cleaning and recycling exceeds the cost of virgin plastic in developed countries whereas the developing countries lack infrastructure and awareness needed for effective recycling of plastic waste (PW). Significant research has established that un-treated PW is entering the food chain of marine species and can potentially enter the human food chain as well. Disposal of PW in land fill has a threat of leeching of harmful chemicals into the environment and adverse effect on ground water recharge whereas incineration releases significant amount of greenhouse gases making PW disposal an unfeasible solution. The situation demands a circular economic approach to upcycling PW. Since the year 2001 PW is used in India for road construction, this has helped in creating circular economy to upcycle plastic waste and making roads sustainable. India alone aims to construct 34,800 km of national highways by 2026, projects of this magnitude will consume enormous amount of soil, aggregate and bitumen. This paper examines the performance of PW modified soil and bitumen to assess the suitability of PW modified roads as an effective, economical and sustainable alternative for flexible pavement construction.