Evaluation of modified bituminous concrete mix developed using rubber and plastic waste materials

Abstract

Disposal of huge amount of discarded waste materials like plastic, polythene bags, bottles, rubber tyres etc, which are generated in huge quantity and causes environmental hazards after their disposal. Present study attempts to utilize these waste materials as partial replacement of bitumen to develop a modified binder, for making bituminous concrete mix. To simulate with the field conditions, ‘Marshall Stability Analysis’ was performed on the samples prepared by partially replacing ‘Optimum Bitumen Content’ with waste plastic (4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) and crumb rubber (5%, 10% and 15%). Experimental results demonstrate that partial substitution of bitumen with waste plastic results up to 16% increment in strength whereas with rubber material, about 50% increment in strength was observed as compared to the conventional mix (CM). Laboratory testing results indicate that by using waste materials, bituminous concrete of required strength and density can be obtained and an environment friendly green pavement can be prepared with less material cost.