A Review on Design of Flexible Pavement Using Waste Plastic

Abstract

The extensive use of plastic wrappers for items like betel nuts, chocolates, chips, handbags, and cold drink bottles presents significant environmental and economic challenges. The production and disposal of these wrappers consume substantial energy and resources, contributing to environmental harm. While industries favor plastic for its lightweight, inexpensive, and sturdy qualities, a potential shift to alternative materials like paper and wood may worsen environmental issues. Polyethylene, Polystyrene, and Polypropylene, the main components of plastic, resist easy decomposition in the environment. This study emphasizes the importance of utilizing plastic in construction processes, particularly through the heating and coating of plastics on aggregates at 160˚C, minimizing air gaps and enhancing stability. Proper disposal of non-biodegradable plastic remains challenging due to insufficient landfills. Research suggests that incorporating waste plastics into road construction materials results in stronger, more damage-resistant, and cost-effective roads. In India, roads adhere to specific guidelines with bituminous concrete layers over a granular base, utilizing Bitumen Grade VG-30 and specific aggregate sizes. The addition of polymers to road materials offers advantages such as increased longevity, damage resistance, cost-effectiveness, reduced maintenance, effective insulation, and diminished noise pollution, contributing to a more sustainable construction approach. [1][2].