Viability and Economics of Waste Plastic and Rubber Coated Aggregates Bitumen Mix Composite for Road Application

Abstract

Waste plastics both by domestic and industrial sectors can be used in the production of asphalt mix. Waste plastics, mainly used for packing are made up of Polyethylene Polypropylene polystirene. Their softening varies between 110°C – 140°C and they do not produce any toxic gases during heating but the softened plastics have tendency to form a film like structure over the aggregate, when it is sprayed over the hot aggregate at 160°C. The Plastics Coated Aggregates (PCA) is a better raw material for the construction of flexible pavement. PCA was then mixed with hot bitumen of different types and the mixes were used for road construction. PCA - Bitumen mix showed improved binding property and less wetting property. Waste plastic coated road aggregates can improve road strength. This modified bitumen mix and aggregates show better binding property, stability, density and more resistant to water thus increasing durability of roads with increased resistance to wear and tear of road. The roads laid since 2002 using PCA-Bitumen mixes are performing well. A detailed study on the performances of these roads shows that the constructed with PCA – Bitumen mix are performing well. This process is eco-friendly and economical too.