Marshall property analysis of an improved bituminous mix obtained by mixing plastic waste with bitumen

Abstract

Plastic is used significantly for convenience, but it poses a serious environmental challenge due to its non-biodegradable nature and long-lasting impact on ecosystems. Plastic waste, persisting for centuries and often ending up in landfills or natural habitats, poses grave threats to terrestrial and marine wildlife. As global populations burgeon, the volume of plastic waste escalates, necessitating urgent management strategies. One such strategy involves incorporating waste plastic as a binder with bitumen in road construction. This study investigates the effects of blending varying proportions (3 %, 5 %, and 7 %) of waste plastic with bitumen on the Marshall characteristics of asphalt mixes, including stability, flow, and void properties. This research demonstrates that, for optimized performance, it is recommended to incorporate 3 % plastic waste into bitumen. Experimental findings reveal optimal bitumen percentages of 5.67 % for conventional asphalt concrete and 5.22 %, 5.33 %, and 5.23 % for plastic-modified bituminous mixes. Marshall stability value for conventional mix is 18.25 kN, and for plastic-modified bituminous mix which contains 3 % plastic is 19.58 kN. The results demonstrate the superior binding, stability, and density of plastic-modified mixtures, offering insights for sustainable pavement design, reduced reliance on virgin materials, and cost-effective road construction practices, thereby addressing plastic waste challenges while enhancing infrastructure sustainability.