Characterization of Bitumen/Plastic Blends for Flexible Pavement Application

Waste plastic materials including low density polyethylene (LDPE) grocery bags, etc. are disposed through landfills: this poses an environmental pollution due to difficulty in degradation of polymeric materials by environmental factors. Waste plastic materials can improve desired properties of bituminous mix for repairs and construction of flexible pavements. In this project, various proportions of polymeric materials (5%, 10% and 15%) blended with bituminous mix were characterized. Strength and performance of bitumen/plastic blends were tested through Marshal Stability test, extraction test, sieve analysis, water absorption tests and bulk density. The results showed that the bitumen/plastic blend has higher Marshall Stability of range 14.03 to 14.80 kN compared to the conventional bituminous mix sample which value was 11.35 kN. They also showed higher void air, lower bulk density and Marshall flow than the conventional bituminous mix. The results from the proportions of aggregate and quarry dust (40:60, 50:50 and 60:40) used in the sieve analysis showed ratio 50:50 to be more appropriate for the bitumen/plastic blends. This project also proves that waste plastics can be used efficiently for road repairs and construction resulting in more sustainable and better roads with high performance and durability.