See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/351005559

A Review Report on the Utilization of Plastic Wastes in Road Construction

Article · April 2021

CITATIONS READS

0 1,366

3 authors:

G. M. Harun - Or - Rashid Anika Tabassum

Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
13 PUBLICATIONS   10 CITATIONS    2 PUBLICATIONS   0 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Rahat Mahfuj
Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
2 PUBLICATIONS   0 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Post Disaster Housing View project

All content following this page was uploaded by G. M. Harun - Or - Rashid on 20 April 2021.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Journal of Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
Transportation Systems

www.matjournals.com

A Review Report on the Utilization of Plastic Wastes in Road Construction

G. M. H. Rashid1*, A. Tabassum2, R. Mahfuj2
1
Lecturer, 2UG Student
Department of Civil Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi, Dhaka,
Bangladesh

*Corresponding Author: gmharun@ce.ruet.ac.bd

ABSTRACT
The world, today, is facing the lack of an eco-
friendly and proper way of disposal of plastic
waste. Population growth, urbanization, huge
development deeds and easy lifestyles are mainly
responsible for the rate of growing plastics in a
huge amount throughout the world; the severity of
the situation becomes more threatening to our
environment. Now it is a matter of discussion how
to utilize waste plastics to make it environment
friendly. Our target is to find out the best possible
way to utilize waste plastics in road construction.
As a non-biodegradable material waste plastic
brings harm to the environment. On the other
hand, plastic wastes show good binder properties
suitable for the development of roads. Waste
plastics with PE (polyethylene), PP
(polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene) have
softening points between 110°C-130°C and they do
not produce any toxic gases. This makes waste
plastics a good binder to use in bituminous roads.
Plastic wastes derived from carry bags, cups and
other industrial products are used as a coating
over aggregate which show better compressive
strength and bending strength, higher Marshall
Stability value and suitable Marshall Coefficient.
This in turn solves problems like rutting, pushing,
dying, and formation of pothole and breaking of
bituminous surfacing. When used as binder, these
plastic wastes improve strength and durability of
bituminous mix. So plastic roads act as a great
substitute for conventional bituminous roads in
hot-humid areas where temperature is normally
very high and abundant rainfall occurs. Therefore
waste plastic utilization as an additive or
replacement of aggregates in bituminous mixes can
be a promising alternative to ordinary flexible
pavement as well as for keeping the environment
clean. The study discusses the effects of different
types of available plastic waste materials on
bituminous roads and gives ideas about the most
beneficial waste plastics.
Keywords-- Waste plastic, Plastic roads, Plastic
coated aggregate, Polymer modified bitumen,
Marshall mix design
INTRODUCTION
Road network is a major component of
socio-economic development of a country. A large
sum of money is spent for the construction and repair
of roads. In road construction bitumen is used as a
binder because of its remarkable binding and
waterproofing properties. But under extreme weather
and heavy load, tensile strength of bituminous road
decreases resulting in poor performance. In hot
weather bituminous roads face problems like bleeding
and in winter cracks are formed on the surface. High
traffic intensity and over-burdening of commercial
vehicles also causes different problems like rutting,
pushing, dying, potholes and breaking of the
bituminous surface [1, 2]. All these problems demand
advancement of road characteristics which can be
done by changing rheological properties of bitumen
by mixing with natural engineered polymers like
elastic and plastics. On the other hand the use of
available waste plastic cuts down the cost of road
construction by eliminating the use of expensive
plastics such as block styrene-butadiene elastomers.
Plastic is a part and parcel of today’s
lifestyle. It is called the friend of a common man, on
the other hand it is a worldwide cause of greenhouse
effect and global warming. Bangladesh also suffers
from the curse of plastic pollution. Every year around
800,000 tons of plastic waste is generated in
Bangladesh. These wastes comprise 8% of total waste
produced every year. It is an evident that around
73,000 tons of plastic waste dump in the sea every
day [3]. Due to the lack of proper disposal plastic
pollution has become one of the major global
problems in the 21st century. The plastic not only
creates health problems like respiratory problems,
liver dysfunction, skin diseases etc. but also when
used as landfill or is incinerated becomes hazardous to
the environment. When burnt without necessary
measures, waste plastics can produce hazardous air
pollutants (HAPs) [4]. So, to reduce the amount of
plastic pollution, technologies are improved to make
railway sleepers, base and sub base of pavement, floor
tiles, walls and bricks etc. using waste plastics [5].
Due to the above consideration waste plastics
utilization in road construction has gained popularity
in recent times.

1 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved

 Journal of
Transportation Systems
www.matjournals.com
Plastic roads use plastic wastes as binder in
bituminous mixes in the construction process.
Different types of plastic waste- polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene
terephthalate etc. are used in the mix. Bitumen mixes
with added polymer typically possess better resistance
to rutting, raveling, and pothole formation [1]. Use of
polymer is proven to provide self-healing ability for
bitumen [6]. Marshall Stability, strength, fatigue life
also improves with addition of processed waste plastic
of about 5-10% by weight of bitumen. Life of the road
is increased and the maintenance expenditure is
reduced [4]. Waste plastic coating over aggregate
provides higher strength and resistance for the mix.
Plastic shrinkage and drying shrinkage reduction is
also very significant as a result of mixing plastic
waste in pavements [7]. All these properties of waste
plastics make it an eco-friendly and convenient way
of enhancing road performance. Considering all those
conveniences of plastic waste the aim of this research
is to uncover the actual effects of plastic waste on the
bituminous mix properties and to identify the most
effective type of plastic waste for the improvement of
road quality.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Many researches have been conducted on the
effects of waste plastics on modified bitumen binder
to test the suitability of using those plastics in road
construction. Punith (2001) conducted experiments
using waste polyethylene (PE) carry bags as binder in
the construction of roads. Waste or recycled plastics
were softened at 130°C and even at 130-180°C there
was no evolution of gas found. The recycled plastics
(PE) showed good binding property [8]. Justo (2000)
showed that usage of bitumen as binder can be
reduced by using waste plastics as binder and it can be
called as modified binder. The modified binder
provides better stability and other desired properties
of bituminous concrete mix [9]. Other effects of waste
PE bags on the bituminous mix were tested by Flynn
(1993) and it is concluded that polyethylene bags
provided improved resistance to deformation and
cracking of bituminous pavement surfacing [10].
Little (1993), in his research, found that the
resistance to deformation of asphaltic concrete
improved significantly due to the use of low density
polythene (LDPE) [11]. In the research by Al-Hadidy
(2009), it was reported that low density polyethylene
(LDPE) modified binders showed higher softening
point and reduced percentage loss of weight due to
heat and air. Moreover, LDPE content up to 6% was
proven to keep the ductility values at a minimum
range of ASTM and SCRB specifications. 6% of
pyrolysis LDPE was found to be compatible with
asphalt to an extent [12]. Rokade (2012) investigated
Marshal Characteristics of SDBC (Semi Dense
Bituminous Concrete) blend with 4.5 to 6% increment
2 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved
Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
of 0.5% bitumen. LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
and CRMB Crumb elastic were used with bitumen.
During the experiment maximum of 25% Marshall
Stability values seemed to be increased by using
LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) and CRMB
(Crumb rubber modified bitumen). Also the dry
process was concluded to bring a huge improvement
in the aggregate properties [13].
Abhilash and Akshay reported that optimum
content of waste plastic was between the ranges of 5%
to 10% for high density polyethylene (HDPE).
Inclusion of HDPE in the mix increased the Marshall
stability by around 60% and indirect tensile strength
also increased by 16% for 4% HDPE than control
mix. Hence the modified mix had better resistance to
bleeding and deformation at high temperature.
Consequently, the quality and performance of
pavement can be improved with waste HDPE [14].
Mohammad and Shbeeb (2007), used two types of
polyethylene - High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) in order to
improve the properties of bituminous mixture. Their
study revealed HDPE gave more desirable results than
LDPE and almost 12% plastics by the weight of
bitumen content were recommended [15].
Sabina et al (2001), performed tests on
bituminous mix modified with polypropylene (PP) to
study the performance of waste PP. Dry method was
used to make the mixes. 60/70 penetration grade
bitumen and PP content of 8% and 15% by weight of
bitumen were used to prepare the mix. From the
result, it was found that PP modified bituminous
concrete mix had better Marshall Stability compared
to plain bituminous mix [16]. Vasudevan (2012),
showed in his study that 10% PP coated aggregate
gave a value of 20 KN for Marshall Stability test
which was higher than the stability of LDPE coated
aggregate. Other Marshall properties like flow value,
void percentage and Marshall Quotient of plastic
coated aggregate were impressive. At the same time,
LDPE and PP in higher percentages showed lesser
compatibility with bitumen which consequently
lowered the stability value of mix [17].
On the other hand, Sultana et.al (2012)
proved that the use of low density polythene (LDPE)
type of plastic gives better performance values than
polypropylene (PP). Optimum percentage of plastic
was found to be 8% for both PP and LDPE for plastic
coated aggregate samples. And for plastic modified
bitumen, optimum percentage of plastic was found to
be 6% and 8% for PP and LDPE respectively. So the
plastic coated aggregate samples seemed to be more
stable than polymer modified bitumen and can be
used in higher percentages of plastic [2].
Prasad et al (2013), used PET (Polyethylene
terephthalate) as additive in bituminous mix. PET
modified mix was observed to have increased
Marshall Stability and flow value as compared to
 Journal of Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
Transportation Systems

www.matjournals.com

plain bituminous mix. The optimum content of PET
was found to be 5.3% for which 75.76% increase in
stability value was reported [30]. According to
Ahmadinia et. al. (2011), use of PET also was proved
to increase the stiffness of mixture. Percentage of PET
more than 4% gradually increased flow value whereas
higher Marshall Quotient was found at 2%, 4%, and
6% of PET than conventional mix. PET of 6% of
weight by bitumen was found to be the optimum
content [18]. The effects of PET on the Marshall
properties are significant and satisfactory.
According to the results, the stability value
increased up to 15% of PS and decreased beyond that.
Marshal properties of the mix like flow, voids in
mineral aggregate, density etc. were of acceptable
value at 10-15% of PS. So it was concluded that use
of PS up to 15% is allowable in the bituminous mix
[19]. Thermal analysis of polystyrene (PS) modified
bitumen, carried out by Nassar et al, showed that
addition of PS to the binder increased its thermal
stability significantly. 5% waste PS modified binder
showed the highest thermal stability value. Marshall
Test results showed that all modified binders had
higher Marshall Stability values and air voids than
control mix. A slight decrease in the range of 7%-13%
in the flow value was noticed which was due to the
stiff nature of modified bitumen. On the other hand,
viscosity and softening point of bitumen binder were
significantly raised by the use of waste PS. Moreover,
waste PS showed good compatibility with bitumen
binder in the morphological properties of bitumen
with 5% PS [20]. In conclusion, use of waste PS can
improve the properties of binder where conventional
bitumen binder lacks while reducing environmental
pollution.
The increase in melting point of plastic
modified bitumen mix was proved by Verma (2008)
[7]. Naskar et al. (2010), conducted tests for
evaluating thermal, rheological and physical
properties using 60/70 grade bitumen as controlled
sample and blending it with waste plastic films of 2
mm x 2 mm size. The modified sample showed
improved properties. 5% waste plastic was noted to be
optimum content [21]. Jain (2012) conducted an
experiment on the utilization of plastic waste in
bituminous street development. He discovered the
beneficial use of size 2-8 mm plastic in bituminous
blends utilized for street developments. The best
results were found with the use of plastics of 0.4-0.5
% by weight of bituminous blend and 6-8% by weight
of bitumen. Plastic waste was therefore found to be
suitable as filler in bituminous street [22].
So, the outcome of using different types of
plastic varies according to their compatibility to
bitumen. Among other plastics LDPE and HDPE
show better compatibility with bitumen, hence giving
better results. It should be emphasized that plastics in
higher percentages in the mix can bring out
undesirable results i.e. deterioration of strength and
stability.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Raw Materials
Materials such as aggregates, bitumen and
mineral filler are basically required for the
construction of roads. In this study an attempt is taken
to find the suitability of waste plastics as binding
material and as coating over aggregate in the road
construction process.
Aggregate
The aggregates are bound together either by
concrete or by bituminous materials. Aggregates are
the 90-95% of weight of the mixture. They provide
most of the load bearing and strength properties of the
mixture. Required properties of aggregate.

Table 1: Required physical properties of coarse aggregate [2, 14].

Test Aggregate Water Crushing Abrasion Flakiness Elongation
Impact Value Absorption Strength Value Value Index Index
MoRTH Max 27% Max 2% Max 30% Max 35% Max 15% Max 20%
Specification

Bitumen and hardens with decreasing temperature. It is

generally found as a byproduct of petroleum.
Bitumen is a thermoplastic solid or semi-
solids which softens with the increase in temperature

Table 2: Required physical properties of 60/70 grade bitumen [14].

Property Specific Gravity Softening Penetration Ductility Dynamic Viscosity
(g/cm3) Point (˚C) (dmm) (cm) at 60˚C (Pa.s)
Method of Test ASTM D70-97 ASTM ASTM D5- ASTM ASTM D4402-91
D36-70 86 D113-86
Standard Specification 1.00-1.05 46-56 60-70 50-100 120-250
(SABS 307-1972)

3 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved

 Journal of Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
Transportation Systems

www.matjournals.com

Mineral Filler used in the road pavement construction. Black colored

Mineral filler is an additive that is added to
the hot mix binder in order to increase the density and
enhance strength of the bituminous mixture. Fillers
that pass through 75μm IS Sieve are used in the mix
for pavement construction. Cement or fly ash is
popularly used as fillers.
Waste plastics
Plastics are organic polymers of high
molecular weight that can be shaped or molded by the
application of heat and pressure. Having properties
such as low density, low electrical conductivity and
toughness, plastics have become popular in day to day
life. It shows high durability and very slow process of
degradation [23]. Plastic waste such as polythene
bags, water bottles, drain parcels, glasses, containers
etc. may be utilized as a modifier. Plastic waste
consisting of PE, PP, PS and PET are very commonly
plastic wastes are avoided as they are repeatedly
recycled. PVC is not used as it leads to the formation
of toxic gases. Types of plastics based on physical
properties [5]:
Thermoset
20% of total post-consumer plastic waste
generated is generally Thermoset plastics. This type
of plastic once set cannot be remolded.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic materials forms 80% of total
post-consumer plastic waste generated. These plastics
can be turned into various shapes under specific
conditions and returned to the original condition at
standard room temperature. PET, PE, PS etc. are
thermoplastics. Types of plastic waste and their
sources are listed below:

Table 3: Waste plastics and their origin [5].

Types
Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
High density polyethylene (HDPE) Bottles of pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, milk- fruit juices, bottle caps
Polystyrene (PS)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Source
Carry bags, sacks, milk pouches, bin lining, cosmetic and detergent
bottles etc.
etc.
Yoghurt pots, clear egg packs, bottle caps. Foamed Polystyrene: food
trays, egg boxes, disposable cups, protective packaging etc.
Mineral water bottles, credit cards, toys, pipes and gutters; electrical
fittings, furniture, folders and pens; medical disposables; etc.
Bottle cap and closures, film wrapping for biscuits, microwave trays for
ready-made meals etc.
Drinking water bottles etc.

Thermal Study of Plastics: In the process of
manufacturing roads with plastics, it is essential to
know about the thermal properties of various types of
plastic. Different types of plastic have different
softening temperature, decomposition temperature,
crystallization temperature etc. based on their
chemical composition. These properties are tested
with specialized analyzers such as thermo gravimetric
analyzer (TGA) [24].

Table 4: Thermal Behavior of Polymers [24].

Polymer Solubility Softening Products Decomposition Products Ignition Products
Water EPT temperature Reported Temp. (°C) reported Temp. reported
in °c rang (°C)
PE Nil Nil 100-120 No Gas 270-350 CH4 , C2H6 >700 CO, CO2
PP Nil Nil 140-160 No Gas 270-300 C2H6 >700 CO, CO2
PS Nil Nil 110-140 No Gas 300-350 C2H6 >700 CO, CO2

The thermal behavior of the polymers from Table 4
shows that those polymers get softened easily without
any evolution of gas near 130°C-140°C. Formation of
harmful gases is possible only around higher
temperatures like 270°C.
Binding Property of Waste Plastics: To study
the binding property plastic wastes were softened and
used to coat aggregates at 170°C. This plastic coated
aggregate when tested for compression and bending
strengths showed improved compressive strength of
130 MPa and binding strength of 500 kg/cm2. This
plastic-aggregate mix was also noted to have better
resistance to stripping [1]. Vasudevan et al. in their
research also concluded the use of waste plastics to
enhance strength properties of the mix [24]. Sekar et
al. showed the order of plastic in which the strength
characteristics increases: PS (poly styrene) < PE
(polyethylene) < PP (polypropylene) < Laminated

4 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved

 Journal of
Transportation Systems
www.matjournals.com
films < BOPP (bi-axially oriented polypropylene)
[17]. All these studies assert that the plastic material is
suitable to use in pavement construction as they stick
to the surface of the aggregate.
Theoretical Explanation of Aggregate-
Bitumen-Plastic Interaction: It is seen that shredded
waste plastic when sprayed over hot aggregate, it
melts. The melt plastic then forms a thin layer over
the aggregate. Around 140°C to 160°C when the
coating remains soft, hot bitumen (160°C) is added
and spread over the aggregates. At this temperature
Key: Grey – Aggregate, Orange – Polymer. Black – Bitumen
Figure 1: Plastic aggregate bitumen interaction model for the Plastics waste coated aggregate bitumen mix
[25].
1. Aggregate: Aggregates of chosen grades are
heated.
2. Area of plastic-aggregate bonding (polymer
coating over aggregate): A thin coating of plastic
forms over aggregate.
3. Bitumen-plastic bonding: Bitumen bonds with
the plastics at the surface of aggregates.
4. Bitumen comes in contact with plastics: Bitumen
and plastic interact with each other.
5. Plain bitumen: Bitumen is heated to be mixed
with aggregate.
Processes for manufacturing bitumen mix road
using waste plastic
The methods used for making bituminous
mixes for pavement surface are noted below:
Dry Method
In this method, waste plastics in shredded
form are used. The aggregate is heated to 170°C (as
per the HRS specification). Bitumen is also heated up
to 160°C as per the HRS specification to ensure good
binding property. Shredded plastic is applied over the
hot aggregate in the Mini Hot Mix plant for 30-45
seconds for uniform coating. Then the hot bitumen-
aggregate mix is created at temperatures around
150°C-165°C. This mixture is used for pavement
surface at temperatures around 110 °C-120 °C [1, 26].
5 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved
Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
both the coated aggregates and bitumen, being
liquefied, diffuse easily at the interface. At the first
stage the plastic layer already forms a good bonding
with aggregates. After bitumen is added, it spreads
throughout the full plastic layer and makes bonding
with aggregate. Here, bitumen creates a bond with the
three dimensional network of plastic molecules which
then enhances the bonding between bitumen and
aggregates [25]. The interaction between plastic
coated aggregate and hot bitumen can be represented
by the following model.
Wet Method
Waste plastic is processed and applied in
powder form to hot bitumen in this method. The wet
mixes show better performance in wet conditions for
longer duration. At most around 8% of waste plastic
can be utilized. The bitumen is heated to a
temperature between 160°C-170°C. Then the plastic
pieces are slowly added to the hot bitumen in a
specific proportion. The mixture is stirred manually
for 20-30 min at constant temperature [1, 26].
EXPERIMENTAL TESTS
Tests on Plastic Coated Aggregate
Tests are conducted according to ASTM, IS,
BS standards. Physical properties of both
conventional aggregate and plastic coated aggregate
specimens are evaluated. Aggregate impact value,
crushing value, abrasion value, soundness tests are
used to measure toughness, hardness, durability of
aggregate as well as suitability of plastics coated
aggregate in road construction. Specific gravity is
another indicator of strength in aggregate. Water
absorption characteristics also determine the quality
of aggregate as porous aggregates reduce service life
of roads.
 Journal of
Transportation Systems
www.matjournals.com
Tests on Modified Bitumen Binder
IS, AASHTO, ASTM standards are
followed. Different conventional tests are carried out
on both plastic modified and control bitumen binder
and the changes in properties of the binder are
compared. Penetration test measures the hardness of
bitumen. Softening point indicates the temperature
susceptibility. The penetration index (PI) test is used
to assess the quantitative measure of the response of
bitumen to variation in temperature using the results
obtained from both penetration and softening point
tests. Elasticity of bitumen is measured by ductility
test. Viscosity test is conducted to measure the
fluidity of bitumen binder.
Marshall Mix Design
Marshall Stability of bituminous materials
includes properties such as strength of mix, resistance
to distortion, displacement etc. Deformation of mix
until failure occurs is determined by the flow value to
measure flexibility of mix i.e. the ability of a
pavement to counteract the traffic load.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Results of PCA
Test results found by Saini shows that waste
plastics coating over aggregate increases the
Table 5: Results of Polyethylene (PE) Coated Aggregate [27].
% of Polyethylene Moisture Aggregate
(PE) Absorption Impact Value
(%) (%)
0 0.65 17.5
5 0 15.6
7 0 13.3
9 0 11.2
11 0 10.2
Results of PMB
Properties of plastics modified bitumen
found by different conventional tests are discussed
here. From the results penetration values are found to
be decreasing with increasing percentage of LDPE at
25˚C and shear resistance is improved in medium to
high temperatures [12]. Nassar et al. reported that the
modified bitumen mix with waste polystyrene (WPS)
showed less temperature susceptibility compared to
conventional mix. PI value is observed to increase
from 0.59 to 2.28 with increasing the polymer
contents from 2% to 5% by weight of bitumen [20].
The softening temperature increased with the increase
6 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved
Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
toughness of surface aggregates. As a result,
aggregate impact value decreases. Maximum
toughness is observed at 7% plastic waste with impact
value 10.01%, thereafter the toughness starts
decreasing slightly [26]. Aggregate crushing value
decreases for plastic-coated aggregates with the
increase in plastic waste content. According to Saini
plastic content more than 7% raises the value of
crushing strength again [26]. Specimens with 5%-
11% plastic content seem to give desirable results
[27]. A minimum value of 8.97% for Los Angel’s
Abrasion test is observed at 7% plastic waste,
thereafter the value starts increasing slightly [26]. The
durability of the plastic-coated aggregates also found
to be improved. In plain bitumen coated aggregates
about 5% stripping is observed after twenty four hours
while in case of plastic waste coated aggregates-
bitumen no stripping is found even after seventy-two
hours [26]. The coating of plastic prevents penetration
of water by filling the voids and pores present at the
surface of aggregate. Results from soundness tests
show that the plastic coated aggregate (PCA) gives nil
value which indicates the improvement in the quality
of the aggregate [1]. At 5%-10% of plastic waste
(PE), the water absorption becomes nil [27]. Overall
quality of the aggregate is upgraded. In Table 5,
properties of aggregate for different percentages of PE
are shown.
Aggregate Los Angeles Specific
Crushing Abrasion Gravity
Value (%) Value (%)
20.2 16.6 2.62
18.1 14.3 2.66
16.5 11.1 2.69
14.5 8.17 2.74
11.1 7.23 2.79
in polymer percentage by 18°C than the base bitumen
mix [20]. This proves that higher the percentage of
plastic waste reveals the increasing of softening point
of bitumen. This will therefore reduce the tendency of
pavement to soften under warm climate. Report from
Abdullah et al. demonstrated that the addition of 6%
plastic waste provides greater viscosity of 1600 cP
than the 500 cP viscosity of conventional bitumen mix
at 135°C. But the values stuck to 200 cP at 165°C for
both conventional and modified binder [28]. The
highest value was found with 6% polymer modified
aggregate which shows positive connection between
the viscosity and polymer content in the mix [29].
Addition of waste plastics is observed also to reduce
 Journal of Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
Transportation Systems

www.matjournals.com

the ductility of bitumen. Due to the increase of plastic different plastics (PP, LDPE and HDPE). Here, use of
contents the stiffness and ductility of the modified HDPE waste is proven to be most beneficial in
binder decreases. Table 6 shows the difference among improving the quality of modified bitumen binder.
the properties of bitumen binder modified with

Table 6: Results of Polymer Modified Bitumen [2].

% of Softening point (°C) Penetration value (mm) Ductility (cm)
Plastic PP LDPE HDPE PP LDPE HDPE PP LDPE HDPE
0 52.25 52.5 52.28 9.3 9.7 8.9 77 80 83
0.5 52.75 52.8 53 7.91 9.1 8.64 61 70.55 75.3
1 58.75 53.5 53 6.68 7.7 8.4 37 63.2 67.28
1.5 60.2 57.25 54.5 6.25 6.84 6.9 25 55.78 58
2 61.75 62.3 58 5.45 6.3 5.4 14.66 50.3 49.6
3 63.25 65 67.4 4.86 4.26 4.3 12 42.6 33
4 65.25 72.5 73 4.43 4.0 3.9 11.33 40 26.45
5 74.25 74 79 3.36 3.6 2.3 9.83 32.5 19

Results of Modified Bituminous mix research by Sabina et al., showed increased Marshall
Stability of mixes with the use of waste plastic (PP)
Addition of 5% to 10% of HDPE seems to [17]. Optimum polymer content at 6% is adopted as
increase Marshall Stability of bitumen up to 60%. values are observed to decrease beyond this point by
Here 5% to 10% of plastic waste by the weight of Isacsson and Lu [53, 54]. Polypropylene (PP) is noted
bitumen is considered the optimum content [14]. On to give higher stability to the mix than polyethylene
the other hand Hinislioglu and Agar reported the use (PE) [28]. Marshall Test results for both PCA and
of HDPE giving the highest value for Marshall PMB mix are displayed in Table 7.
Stability at 4% by weight of bitumen [30]. The

Table 7: Marshall Characteristics of Modified Bituminous Mix [17].

% of Percentage of Type of Marshall Flow value Void % Marshall
bitumen Polymer w.r.t polymer value (KN) (*0.25 mm) quotient
weight of (KN/ mm)
bitumen PMB PCA PMB PCA PMB PCA PMB PCA
4.5 5 PP 14.5 16 3 4 56 53 4.83 4
4.5 10 PP 17 20 3.3 5 62 55 5.15 4
4.5 10 PE foam 18 20 3.4 4 66 58 5.29 5
4.5 5 LDPE 15 16 3.3 4 62 55 4.55 4
4.5 10 LDPE 17 17.50 3.5 4 62 55 4.86 4.38

CONCLUSION REFERENCES

On the premises of the reviews of literature
and test results following conclusions are drawn:
1. 6% to 8% waste plastics may be the best
substitute for binding material in road
construction.
2. Use of HDPE products is found to be more
advantageous than other waste plastics.
Due to these significant advantages, use of
waste plastics in road construction is beneficial as a
mean of safe disposal of these non-biodegradable
wastes as well as for the betterment of transportation
facilities. With requisite steps taken, plastic roads can
be the best strategy for diminishing plastic pollution.
1. Barad MM. Use of Plastic in Bituminous Road
Construction. J Inform Knowl Res Civ Eng.
2015; 3(2).
2. Sultana ASK, Prasad KSB. Utilization of Waste
Plastic as a Strength Modifier in Surface Course
of Flexible and Rigid Pavements. IJERA, ISSN:
2248-92. 2012; 2(4): 1185-1191p.
3. Islam M. Bangladesh Drowns In 8 Lakh Tonnes
of Plastic Waste a Year. The Business Standard.
07 September, 2019. Available at:
https://tbsnews.net/environment/bangladesh-
drowns-8-lakh-tones-plasticwaste-year
4. Hake SL, Damgir RM, Awsarmal PR. Utilization
of Plastic waste in Bitumen Mixes for Flexible
Pavement. WCTR. 2019.

7 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved

 Journal of
Transportation Systems
www.matjournals.com
5. Guidelines for the Use of Waste Plastic in Hot
Bituminous Mixes (Dry Process) in Wearing
Courses. IRC: SP: 98. 2013.
6. Chaminda W, Jiri S, Ludo Z. Destruction and
Recovery of Internal Structure in Polymer-
Modified Asphalts. J MATER CIVIL ENG.
2007; 19(3): 227–232p.
7. Verma SS. Roads from plastic waste. ICJ. 2008.
8. Punith VS. Study of the Effect of Plastic Modifier
on Bituminous Mix Properties. 2001.
9. Khanna SK, Justo CEG. Highway Material
Testing Manual. Nem Chand and Bros
Publications. 2000.
10. Flynn L. Recycled Plastic finds it Home in
Asphalt Binder, Roads and Bridges. 1993.
11. Little DN. Enhancement of Asphalt Concrete
Mixtures to Meet Structural Requirements
through the Addition of Recycled Polythene, Use
of Waste Materials in Hot Mix Asphalt. ASTM
Special Tech. Publication, 1193. 1993.
12. Al-Hadidy AI, Yi-Qiu T. Effect of Polyethylene
on Life of Flexible Pavements. Constr Build
Mater. 2009; 23(3): 1456-1464p.
13. Rokade S. Use of Waste Plastic and Waste
Rubber Tyres in Flexible Highway Pavements.
IPCBEE. 2012; 28, IACSIT Press, Singapore:
105-108p.
14. Abhilash, Akshay MHS. Bituminous Mix Design
Studies Using High Density Polyethylene on BC
Layer. IJERT. 2018; 7(6).
15. Mohammad TA, Shbeeb L. The Use of
Polyethylene in Hot Asphalt Mixtures. Am. J.
Appl. Sci. 2007; 4 (6): 390-396p.
16. Sabina, Khan TA, Sangita, et al. Performance
Evaluation of Waste Plastic/Polymer Modified
Bituminous Concrete Mixes. J Sci Ind Res. 2009;
68: 975-979p.
17. Vasudevan R, Sekar ARC, Sundarakannan B, et
al. A Technique to Dispose Waste Plastic in an
Ecofriendly Way – Application in Construction
of Flexible Pavements. Constr Build Mater 28.
2012; 311-320p.
18. Ahmadinia E, Zargar M, Karim MR, et al. Using
Waste Plastic Bottles as Additive for Stone
Mastic Asphalt. Mater Design. 2011; 32: 4844-
4849p.
19. Kumar B, Kori S, Brijbhushan S. An
Experimental Study on Effect of Polystyrene on
8 Page 1-8 © MAT Journals 2021. All Rights Reserved
View publication stats
Volume 6, Issue 2 (May-August, 2021)
the Marshall Properties of Bituminous Concrete
Mix. IJSTR. 2019; 8(12).
20. Nassar IM, Kabel KI, Ibrahim IM. Evaluation of
the Effect of Waste Polystyrene on Performance
of Asphalt Binder. ARPNIJST. 2012; VOL. 2,
NO. 10.
21. Naskar M, Chaki TK, Reddy KS. Effect of Waste
Plastic as Modifier on Thermal Stability and
Degradation Kinetics of Bitumen/Waste Plastic
Blend. Thermochim. Acta 509. 2010; 128-134p.
22. Jain PK, Kumar S, Sengupta JB. Mitigation of
Rutting in Bituminous Roads by Use of Waste
Polymeric Packing Materials. IJEMS. 2011; 18:
233-238p.
23. Farouk AIB, Hassan NA, Mahmud MZH, et al.
Effects of Mixture Design Variables on Rubber–
Bitumen Interaction: Properties of Dry Mixed
Rubberized Asphalt Mixture. Mater. Struct. 50.
2017; 1-10p.
24. Vasudevan R, Nigam SK, Velkennedy R, et al.
Utilization of Waste Polymers for Flexible
Pavement and Easy Disposal of Waste Polymers.
Proceedings of the International Conference on
Sustainable Solid Waste Management, 5-7,
Chennai, India. 2007; 105-111p.
25. Rajasekaran S, Vasudevan R, Paulraj S. Reuse of
Waste Plastics Coated Aggregates- Bitumen Mix
Composite For Road Application – Green
Method. AJER. 2013; 2(11): 01-13p.
26. Saini SK. Feasibility Study of Plastic Waste Use
in Road Construction: Positive and Negative
Aspects. Conference Proceeding of NCITCE.
2018.
27. Singh S, Singh I, Singh I, et al. Experimental
Analysis of Polyethylene Coated Aggregates in
Road Construction. JETIR. 2020.
28. Abdullah E, Ahmad NA, Jaya RP, et al. Effects
of Waste Plastic on the Physical and Rheological
Properties of Bitumen. 5th ICNME. 2017.
29. Onyango F, Wanjala SR, Ndege M, et al. Effect
of Rubber Tyre and Plastic Wastes Use in
Asphalt Concrete Pavement. IJCEE. 2015; 9(11).
30. Hinislioglu S, Agar E. Use of Waste High
Density Polyethylene as Bitumen Modifier in
Asphalt Concrete Mix. Mater. Lett. 2004; 58:
267-271p.