The Economic Value of Plastic Waste Used as Paving Aggregate

Abstract

Solid waste, of which plastic waste is a significant part, is plentiful and often gets thrown away without being properly processed into a usable resource. Municipal plastic garbage disposal has increased dramatically, particularly in metropolitan areas, and this has a negative effect on the aesthetic quality of the environment. As a binding agent, plastic proved to be quite useful  pliable asphalt mixtures made from bitumen. By limiting fracture formation and decreasing rainfall penetration, this effective strategy helps pavements tolerate greater temperatures, which would otherwise contribute to the development of potholes. Water seepage is decreased and crushing and abrasion parameters are increased in these pavements. Roads made of plastic would be a great solution to the problem of potholes caused by India's hot and humid environment, where temperatures often exceed 50°C and heavy rains cause havoc, leaving most roads in terrible condition.

Road paving, airport runways, parking garage floors, and other related construction applications often employ a composite material called bituminous concrete (BC). The final product is made by layering mineral aggregate with asphalt or bitumen (used as a binder), and then crushing the resulting mixture. The substantial distinction in daily and seasonal temperature, coupled with the ever-increasing volume of traffic comprised primarily of commercial vehicles, has put us in a precarious position that necessitates creative solutions for enhancing the characteristics and quality of the pavement through the implementation of some necessary modifications that must therefore satisfy the both strength and economic aspects.

When viewed from an environmental point of view, it is apparent that polythenes are a major contributor to air pollution. As it has been shown that polythenes are not biodegradable, finding a solution for waste polyethene has become an essential issue.