A

Seminar Presentation

On

USE OF PLASTIC WASTE IN ROAD

CONSTRUCTION

Presented By

MONU KUMAR

(Roll No. – 2021011142)

B. Tech 3rd Year

Civil Engineering Department

Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur (U.P)

April 2024
 ABSTRACT
Plastic is a toxic & persistent material. It is generally found to be nearly 5% in Municipal Solid
Wastes (MSW) which is a major environmental threat. Nowadays, plastics are used in our day-
to-day life for enormous purposes viz. carry bags in various shops, plastic sheet materials for
making roofs of temporary kutcha houses and hutments, packaging materials in LDPE & HDPE
manufacturing industries, in drinking water supply and sanitary appurtenances, in electrical
appliances, in manufacturing of various electronic appliances etc. The outcome of Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) of these plastic materials is not satisfactory. Generally people dispose off
these plastic materials and plastic products after their usage on open ground as surface
impoundment in lieu of their reuse, recycle and reduction in volume which has become a
prominent ecological & environmental problem. Waste plastic bags & waste plastic materials
interrupts the infiltration and percolation of rain water through soil pores and in turn diminishes
the ground water recharge in aquifers. Nowadays we have tones of plastic solid wastes in our
surroundings. There are so many institutes which after consistent researches have come to a
conclusion that waste plastics can be used in modifying roads. If we use plastics in road
construction, we can reduce the cost of road construction and pollution index of environment
to an appreciable extent. We can use plastics as binder with bitumen. It may give better finish-
ability, stability, binding property, resistance to water and durability.
 CONTENTS
1- INTRODUCTION
2- OBJECTIVES
3- LITERATURE REVIEW
4- MATERIALS USED
5- CLASSIFICAION OF PLASTIC
6- METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE
7- ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE
8- CONCLUSSION
9- REFERENCES
 INTRODUCTION
Now-a-days disposal of different wastes produced from different Industries is a great problem.
These materials pose environmental pollution in the nearby locality because many of them are
non-biodegradable. Traditionally soil, stone aggregates, sand, bitumen, cement etc. are used
for road construction. Natural materials being exhaustible in nature, its quantity is declining
gradually. Also, cost of extracting good quality of natural material is increasing. Concerned
about this, the scientists are looking for alternative materials for highway construction, and
industrial wastes product is one such category. If these materials can be suitably utilized in
highway construction, the pollution and disposal problems may be partly reduced. In the
absence of other outlets, these solid wastes have occupied several acres of land around plants
throughout the country. Keeping in mind the need for bulk use of these solid wastes in India, it
was thought expedient to test these materials and to develop specifications to enhance the use
of these industrial wastes in road making, in which higher economic returns may be possible.
The possible use of these materials should be developed for construction of low volume roads
in different parts of our country. The necessary specifications should be formulated and
attempts are to be made to maximize the use of solid wastes in different layers of the road
pavement. Post construction pavement performance studies are to be done for these waste
materials for construction of low volume roads with two-fold benefits: (a) it will help clear
valuable land of huge dumps of wastes; (b) it will also help to preserve the natural reserves of
aggregates, thus protecting the environment. 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. Plastic is versatile material and a friend to common man
becomes a problem to the environment after its use. The better binding property of plastics in
its molten state has helped in finding out a method of safe disposal of waste plastics. Road
surface with neat bitumen can cause bleeding in hot climate, may develop cracks in cold
climate, possess fewer loads bearing capacity and can cause serious damages because of higher
axle load in present conditions due to rapid infrastructure development. Useful life of
bituminous overlays has reportedly declined 7 8 from average life of 5-6 years in the past to
about 3-4 years at present as compared to average pavement life (5-6 years) in abroad. India
has to raise transportation system to a higher level both in terms of length and quality. This
study presents the use of waste in hot bituminous mixes to enhance pavement performance,
protect environment and provide low cost roads.
 OBJECTIVES
The objective of incorporating plastic waste into road construction is to address the dual
challenges of plastic pollution and deteriorating infrastructure. By repurposing plastic waste as
a construction material, the objective is to:

 Reduce plastic pollution by diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans.
 Enhance road durability and longevity by improving resistance to wear and tear.
 Lower maintenance costs by creating roads that require less frequent repairs.
 Promote sustainable practices in infrastructure development.
 Contribute to the circular economy by recycling plastic materials into valuable
resources for construction.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Prof.C.E.G. Justo States that addition of 8.0 % by weight of processed plastic for the preparation
of modified bitumen results in a saving of 0.4 % bitumen by weight of the mix or about 9.6 kg bitumen
per cubic meter (m 3) of BC mix. Modified Bitumen improves the stability or strength, life and other
desirable properties of bituminous concrete mix.

Dr. R. Vasudevan states that the polymer bitumen blend is a better binder compared to plain
bitumen. Blend has increased Softening point and decreased Penetration value with a suitable ductility.
When it used for road construction it can withstand higher temperature and load. The coating of plastics
reduces the porosity, absorption of moisture and improves soundness. The polymer coated aggregate
bitumen mix forms better material for flexible pavement construction as the mix shows higher Marshall
Stability value and suitable Marshall Coefficient. Hence the use of waste plastics for flexible pavement
is one of the best methods for easy disposal of waste plastics. Use of plastic bags in road help in many
ways like Easy disposal of waste, better road and prevention of pollution and so on. According to V.S.
Punith, (2001), Some encouraging results were reported in this study that there is possibility to improve
the performance of bituminous mixes of road pavements. Waste plastics (polythene carry bags, etc.) on
heating soften at around 130°C. Thermo gravimetric analysis has shown that there is no gas evolution
in the temperature range of 130-180°C. Softened plastics have a binding property. Hence, it can be used
as a binder for road construction. Sundaram & Rojasay (2008) studied the Effective blending
technique for the use of plastic waste into bitumen for road laying and Polymer-bitumen mixtures of
different compositions were prepared and used for carrying out various tests. Verma S.S. (2008).
concluded that Plastics will increase the melting point of the bitumen. This technology not only
strengthened the road construction but also increased the road life.
 Dr. R. Vasudevan and S. Rajasekaran, (2007) stated that the polymer bitumen blend is a better
binder compared to plain bitumen. Blend has increased Softening point and decreased Penetration value
with a suitable ductility. Mohd. Imtiyaz (2002) concluded that the mix prepared with modifiers shows:-
Higher resistance to permanent deformation at higher temperature. Sabina et al (2001) studied the
comparative performance of properties of bituminous mixes containing plastic/polymer (PP) (8% and
15% by wt of bitumen) with conventional bituminous concrete mix (prepared with 60/70 penetration
grade bitumen). Improvement in properties like Marshall Stability, retained stability, indirect tensile
strength and rutting was observed in Plastic modified bituminous concrete mixes.

The laboratory studies conducted by CRRI in utilization of waste plastic bags in bituminous
concrete mixes have proved that these enhance the properties of mix in addition to solving disposal
problems. The results indicated that there was an improvement in strength properties when compared
to a conventional mix. Therefore, the life of pavement surfacing using the waste plastic is expected to
increase substantially in comparison to the use of conventional bituminous mix.

MATERIAL USED

Aggregates:

The aggregates are bound together either by bituminous materials or by cement. In a few cases,
the rock dust itself when mixed with water form slurry which acts as a binding medium. The
aggregates may be classified into natural and artificial aggregates. The natural aggregates again
are classified as coarse aggregates consisting of crushed rock aggregates or gravels and fine
aggregates or sand. The blast furnace slag obtained as by-product from blast furnaces is the one
extensively used as road construction material. Stone aggregates used for road work should be
hard, tough, durable and hydrophobic for bituminous surface. Gravel should be well graded
(6.4mm to 38) and should have a fineness modulus of not less than 5.75 Sand should be sharp,
well graded, clean of all sites, clay and organic matter. The quality of aggregates used in first
coat of surface dressing should be 0.15 m^3 per 10 m^2 area of 12 mm nominal size. On the
other hand, the quality of aggregates used in second coat of surface dressing should be 0.15
m^3 per 10 m^2 areas and of 10 mm nominal size.

Bitumen:

Bitumen is used as binders in pavements constructions. Bitumen may be derived form the
residue left by the refinery from naturally occurring asphalt. As per definition given by the
American Society of Testing Materials bitumen has been defined as “Mixtures of hydrocarbons
of natural or pyrogenous origin, or combination of both, frequently accompanied by their non-
metallic derivatives, which may be gaseous, liquid, semi-solid or solid, and which are
completely soluble in carbon disulphide.” Bitumen found in natural state known as asphalt
contains large qualities of solid mineral matter. When petroleum crude is refined in a refinery,
they are separated by fractional distillation in the order of decreasing volatility. On distillation
of the residual bituminous residue, straight-run bitumen is obtained. This Bitumen is known as
penetration grade bitumen or steam refined petroleum bitumen. The grades and that used for
water proofing of structures is known as industrial grades. The grade of straight run bitumen is
chosen depending upon the climate conditions of the region in which surface dressing is to be
constructed. In most parts of India 80/100 and 180/200 grade bitumen is used. Heavier grade
cut backs, rapid setting emulsions or heavier grade tars may also be used. The graded of basic
bitumen is altered either by controlled refining or by mixing with diesel oil or other oils. For
single dressings on WBM base course, quality of bitumen needed ranges from 17 to 195 kg per
10 m^2 areas and 10 to 12 kg per 10 m^2 area in case of renewal of black top surfacing. For
second coat of surface dressing, the quality of bitumen needed ranges from 10 to 12 m^2 area.
Bulk bitumen Lorries with tanks of capacity ranging from 5000 to 150000 liters are used to
transport bulk bitumen. As per PMC, the bitumen content in a mix should be 4% of weight by
total mix for B.M. The paving bitumen available in India is classified into two categories:
Paving bitumen from Assam petroleum denoted as A-type and designated as grades A35, A90,
etc. Paving bitumen from other sources denoted as S-type and designated as grades S35, S90.,
etc.

Important properties of bitumen are:

 Viscosity of Bitumen should be adequate at the time of mixing and compaction. It

Plastic material:

Plastic are usually classified by their chemical structure of the polymer’s backbone and side
chains. Some important groups in this classification are the acrylics, polyesters, silicones,
polyurethanes, and halogenated plastics. Plastics can also be classified by the chemical process
used in their synthesis, such as condensation, polyaddition, and crosslinking. There are two
types of plastics: thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers. Thermoplastics are the plastics
that do not undergo chemical change in their composition when heated and can be molded
again and again. Examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl
chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) In the thermosetting process, a chemical reaction
occurs that is irreversible. The vulcanization of rubber is a thermosetting process. Before
heating with Sulphur, the polyisoprene is a tacky, slightly runny material, but after
vulcanization the product is rigid and non-tacky. The properties of plastics are defined chiefly
by the organic chemistry of the polymer. such as hardness, density, and resistance to heat,
organic solvents, oxidation, and ionizing radiation.

CLASSIFICATION OF PLASTIC
1. polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

2. High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

5. Polypropylene (PP)

6. Polystyrene (PS)

Plastics are durable and degrade very slowly; the chemical bonds that make plastic so durable
make it equally resistant to natural processes of degradation. Since the 1950s, one billion tons
of plastic have been discarded and may persist for hundreds or even thousands of years. Perhaps
the biggest environmental threat from plastic comes from nurdles, which are the raw material
from which all plastics are made. They are tiny pre-plastic pellets that kill large numbers of
fish and birds that mistake them for food. Prior to the ban on the use of CFCs in extrusion of
polystyrene (and general use, except in life-critical fire suppression systems; see Montreal
Protocol), the production of polystyrene contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer;
however, non-CFCs are currently used in the extrusion process. Thermoplastics can be
remelted and reused, and thermoset plastics can be ground up and used as filler, although the
purity of the material tends to degrade with each reuse cycle. There are methods by which
plastics can be broken back down to a feedstock state.

Classification of plastic waste

a) Polyethylene:

 LDPE (Low Density Poly-Ethylene):

Low density poly-ethylene this plastic waste available in the form of carry bags generally in
stores these plastic bags are very thin and also easily available.

 HDPE (High Density Poly-Ethylene):

Generally High-density poly-ethylene type of plastic waste is available in the form of carry
bags and easily available in the market.

b) Polypropylene:

This plastic may be available in the form of carry bags or solid plastic it's depend upon the use
and need of the industries. It is available in the form of plastic bottles and mat sheets etc.

METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

Preparation of plastic waste material

Plastic waste scenario:

The use of plastic materials such as carry bags, cups, etc. is constantly increasing.
The consumption of plastics has increased from 4000 tons/annum to 4 million
tons/annum and it is expected to rise 8 million tons/annum during the year 2010.
Nearly 50 to 60% of the total plastics are consumed for packing.

Basic processes

1. Segregation

2. Cleaning process
3. Shredding process

4. Collection process

Plastic waste blending materials

a) Preparation of blend

Polyethylene carry bags are cut into pieces using a shredding machine. They are sieved and the
plastic pieces passing through 4.75mm sieve and retaining at 2.36mm sieve gets collected.
These plastic pieces are added slowly to the hot bitumen of temperature around 170-1800C.
The mixture stirred well using mechanical stirrer for about 20-30 minutes. Polymer-bitumen
mixtures of different compositions can be prepared and used for carrying out various tests.

b) Separation test (IRC-SP: 53-1999)

Samples of different composition can be subjected to the separation test. Homogeneity can be
obtained approximately up to 1.5% blend. Beyond this composition, the variation of softening
point is much higher for the top and bottom layer of the test samples showing that there is a
separation of polymer from bitumen on standing.

c) Characterization of plastic waste-bitumen blend for flexible pavement

The utility of the plastic waste blended bitumen-aggregate mix for flexible pavement
construction is characterized by studying stripping value and Marshall Stability value of the
mix for the blends having a maximum of 1.5% plastic waste.

d) Preparation of plastic-waste coated aggregate

The aggregate are heated to around 170°C; the plastic waste shredded to the size varying
between 2.36mm and 4.75mm. This shredded plastic waste is added over hot aggregate with
constant mixing to give a uniform distribution. The plastic get softened and coated over the
aggregate. The hot plastic waste coated aggregates are mixed with hot bitumen 60/70
or 80/100 grade.

Two processes used in the construction of plastic roads

1. Wet process
In this process, the waste plastic is directly mixed with hot Bitumen at 160°C and this mixture
is then mixed using a mechanical stirrer. This mixture also contains additional stabilizers and
requires proper cooling. It is not popular because it requires huge investments, larger plants
and more equipment than the Dry Process.

2. Dry process

First the plastic waste is collected, segregated and stored. The segregation is done because
certain kinds of plastic like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and flux sheets cannot be used due to
safety concerns. The next step involves the cleaning of the plastic. This is necessary because
most of the plastic waste collected has been used for packaging (55% in India) and hence is
likely to contain residual substances such as little bits of food which must be removed. After
this the plastic goes through the process of shredding which reduces it to the correct thickness,
2-4mm. The aggregate is heated to around 160°C-170°C and then the plastic is added and after
30-40s a uniform coating is observed. This coating gives it an oily look. The Bitumen is then
added and the mixture is thoroughly mixed before laying. The Bitumen is added at a
temperature of around 155°C - 163°C. This temperature is carefully regulated to make sure that
the binding is strong. The process is described by the diagram below.
 ADVANTAGES
 This is a very simple technology which does not involve any special machines
deployment or other advanced skilled professionals.
 There is spot use of the waste plastic.
 These water proof roads provide considerably increased durability.
 No stripping of roads happens as this kind of roads resist the permeation of water.
 More employment can be generated as labor’s will be required in collection,
segregation and shredding of waste plastics.
 Multi-layer films can be used which provide strength and durability.
 No maintenance will be required for years as the surface remains without any cracking
or potholes.

DISADVANTAGES
 Most challenging task to be collected good quality of plastic waste, availability and
segregating of unique objects.
 Toxics present in the co-mingled plastic waste would start leaching.
 During the road laying process, In the presence of chlorine will definitely release
noxious HCL gas.
 After the road laying, The components of the road, once it has been laid, are not inert.

CONCLUSION
 The use of the innovative technology not only strengthened the road construction.
 But also increased the road life as were as will help to improve the environment and
also creating a source of income.
 Plastics will increase the melting point of the bitumen.
 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.
 It is hoped that in near future we will have strong, durable and eco-friendly roads which
will relieve the earth from all type of plastic-waste
 REFFERENCE
 R. Vasudevan. (2011) "A technique to dispose waste plastics in an ecofriendly way
Application in construction of flexible pavements" Construction and Building Materials
Vol. 8 Department of Chemistry, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, Tamil
Nadu, India, pp 311-320.
 Miss Apurva J Chavan Use of plastic waste in flexible Pavements -ISSN 2319 4847,
Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2013
 S.S.Verma Roads from plastic waste - The Indian Concrete Journal - November 2008
 Kshitij Aditeya Singh -Use of Plastics in Road Construction Implementation of
Technology and Roll out CENTRE FOR INNOVATIONS IN PUBLIC SYSTEMS
November 2014
 IRC: SP:98-2013 GUIDLINES FOR THE USE OF WASTE PLASTIC IN HOT
BITUMINOUS MIXES (DRY PROCESS) IN WEARING COURSES
 Zoorab S.E and Suparma L.B "Laboratory Design and Investigation of Bituminous
Composite containing waste recycled plastics aggregate replacement, CIB symposium
on construction and environment theory into practice, Sao Paulo, Brazil Nov-2000