Use of Waste Plastic as a Replacement for Bitumen in Road Construction

Abstract

Plastic waste pollution has become a global environmental crisis, particularly due to non recyclable and low-density plastics, which contribute significantly to landfill accumulation  and environmental harm. This research investigates the use of plastic waste in road  con-struction as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like bitumen and  aggregates. By integrating plastic waste into road infrastructure, this study explores  methods such as plasticcoated aggregates, plastic-modified bitumen, and fully plastic based roads. These approaches not only enhance the mechanical properties of roads but also help reduce the environmental footprint of construction activities.

Plastic-coated aggregates and plastic-modified bitumen improve road durability, weather  resistance, and load-bearing capacity, making them more suitable for high-traffic areas and  harsh climates. Furthermore, plastic roads show lower maintenance requirements,  resulting in long-term cost savings. From an environmental perspective, using plastic waste  in road construction helps reduce plastic pollution, curtailing the burden on landfills, and  decreas-ing the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with conventional  road-building materials.

This research underscores the potential of plastic waste integration as a dual solution:  ad-dressing the plastic waste crisis and promoting sustainable infrastructure. The findings  highlight  the eco-friendly and cost-effective nature of using plastic waste in road  construc-tion, presenting it as a promising approach for the future of sustainable  infrastructure de-velopment. Using waste plastic as a replacement for bitumen in road construction reduces environmental pollution, enhances road durability, reduces construction costs, minimizes plastic waste, and lowers environmental pollution. However, potential drawbacks include microplastic release, health concerns during production, and the complex waste segregation requirements.