Sustainable road

development
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Group 4 Project
Presented By: Parnika Mangale
Mayur Vanjani
Manav Desai
Jainam Oswal
Aryan Juneja
Gehena Hotwani
Toyodhi Bhattacharya
 Introduction
Our interdisciplinary project aims to create environmentally
friendly smart highways by incorporating recycled
microplastics in road construction, optimizing friction for safer
and more energy-efficient urban mobility, and integrating real-
time speed detection sensors for efficient traffic management
and potential vehicle charging while in motion.
01
Objectives of the
project
The objective of plastic roads is to recycle plastic waste and reduce
its environmental impact. By incorporating plastic into road
construction, it diverts waste from landfills, improves road
properties, and lowers energy consumption during production.
Additionally, it creates employment opportunities and can be cost-
effective compared to traditional roads. However, challenges
remain, including potential microplastic release and the need for
safe and suitable plastic materials. Continued research and
monitoring are crucial to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness
of plastic roads.
02
Research
Question
 Research question

To what extent will the integration of recycled microplastic into road

construction materials, real-time speed detection sensors and charging
infrastructure, lead to the development of environmentally friendly and energy-
efficient smart highways for sustainable city mobility?
03
Product
Product

1) Asphalt mixture 4) microplastic

2) steel plate 5)graded gravel
3) thermal insulation 6) subgrade
- Developed with a vision for sustainable cities and communities, this innovative
solution redefines road infrastructure. By combining microplastics with the
traditional asphalt mixture

- Microplastics, integrated seamlessly within the road's structure, enhance its wear
resistance, minimizing cracks and potholes. They also act as a water-repellent,
reducing water seepage and extending the road's lifespan.

- This eco-friendly approach not only repurposes plastic waste but also
contributes to reduced carbon emissions as we decrease the demand for
conventional materials like bitumen.
 Social
By recycling plastic waste and
incorporating microplastics in road
construction, the project promotes
community engagement in sustainable
practices, creating awareness and fostering
a sense of responsibility towards
environmental conservation.
Economical
The use of microplastics in road
construction leads to cost savings over time
due to reduced maintenance needs and
extended road lifespan. Additionally, it
offers potential economic benefits by
creating employment opportunities in waste
management and sustainable road
infrastructure industries.

Environmental
The project significantly reduces plastic waste
pollution by repurposing it in road construction,
contributing to cleaner environments and healthier
ecosystems. Moreover, the decreased demand for
conventional materials like bitumen helps lower
carbon emissions and supports the transition to a
more sustainable future.
Discipline
specific
Chemistry
In plastic road construction, polymer chemistry plays a key role in the
development of suitable plastic materials for construction. Polymers such as
polyethylene and polypropylene are commonly used to improve the properties
of asphalt.

Polymer chemists select and modify polymers to improve compatibility with

bitumen, resulting in plastically modified asphaltic compounds (PMA). PMA
offers better road performance and durability. Research and innovation
continue to drive polymer technology for road construction.

Chemical Reaction for Polymerization:

An example of a polymerization chain reaction is the polymerization of
ethylene to form
polyethylene. The chemical reaction can be represented as follows:
nCH2=CH2 (ethylene monomer) → (-CH2-CH2-)n (polyethylene polymer)
Physics
1. Enhanced Friction Characteristics: Recycled microplastics, when appropriately dispersed in the
road mix, can significantly enhance the road's friction characteristics. The microplastic particles
act as a micro-texturing agent, increasing the macro-roughness of the road surface. This leads to
improved tire-road interaction, resulting in enhanced skid resistance and superior vehicle
handling, especially in adverse weather conditions. Consequently, the risk of accidents due to
reduced traction is minimized, ensuring safer road conditions.

2. Noise Reduction: The incorporation of microplastics in road surfaces can lead to reduced tire-
road noise due to the improved surface texture. This noise reduction is particularly beneficial in
urban areas, contributing to a quieter and more pleasant environment for residents living near
busy roads.

3. Improved Durability and Strength: The integration of recycled microplastic into road materials
contributes to the overall durability and strength of the road. The microplastics act as a reinforcing
agent, enhancing the mechanical properties of the road surface. This leads to increased load-
bearing capacity, enabling the road to withstand heavier traffic loads and reduce rutting and
deformation, which are common issues in traditional asphalt roads.
Computer science
1. Real-time Speed Detection Sensors: Implementing computer vision algorithms and
machine learning techniques to develop a network of real-time speed detection sensors
on smart highways. These sensors analyze vehicle speeds and patterns, enabling
efficient traffic management and data-driven decision-making for safer mobility.
2. Components that fall under real-time speed detection:
- Data analysis
- Data storage
- connectivity

~EXTENSION ~
3. Potential Charging Infrastructure: Exploring the feasibility of integrating wireless
charging technology into the road surface to charge electrical vehicles while in
motion. Developing communication protocols and smart grid solutions to optimize
charging efficiency and reduce dependence on traditional charging stations.
Biology
- Microplastics, which are tiny fragments of plastic that are produced as a result of plastic pollution and are
found in the environment and can act as a medium for environmental toxic substances such as bisphenol A,
which are absorbed into the body and cause various diseases of the endocrine system and reproductive system

- Marine animals often mistake microplastics for food due to their small size and appearance, leading to
ingestion. Once ingested, the particles can accumulate in the animals' digestive systems, potentially causing
blockages, reduced nutrient absorption, and physical damage which again has an impact on the sea food eaters

- So as per our plan removing plastics from waterbodies, converting them into microplastics and utilising
them in a more sustainable way which is to use them in plastic roads helps to clean up the environment and
prevent these harmful particles from further contaminating the marine environment

- On the other hand, research and development in this field may result in more environmentally friendly
road construction methods and material

- Microplastics are used in the construction of roadways to increase their durability and strength. As a result,
less frequent maintenance is needed, which saves energy and materials like aggregates and asphalt used in
conventional road construction
ESS
Generally plastic is disposed of in landfills or incinerators which is extremely risky. This waste plastic can be partially
mixed with material use for road construction. In conventional road making process bitumen is used as a binder.

Such bitumen can be modified with waste plastic pieces. This waste plastic modified bitumen mix shows better binding
property, stability, density and is more resistant to water.

Worldwide use of waste material in road construction is being increasingly encouraged so as to reduce environmental
impact. The use of this innovative technology will strengthen the road construction and increase the road life as well as
will help to utilisation of waste plastic material.
Plastic roads would be a blessing for hot and extremely humid climates, where temperatures normally cross 50°C and
abundant rains create damage, leaving most of the roads with big potholes.
Toxic leachates: Microplastics have a unique ability to adsorb and concentrate toxic chemicals from their surroundings.
When microplastics in roads come into contact with pollutants, such as heavy metals and organic contaminants, they can
adsorb these substances. Subsequently, the leaching of these plastic particles can release these adsorbed pollutants into the
environment, leading to water and soil contamination.

Ecological impacts: Microplastics can be ingested by various organisms, ranging from small aquatic species to larger
animals and even birds. Ingestion of microplastics can cause physical harm, hinder feeding capabilities, and potentially
lead to long-term health effects for wildlife. Additionally, the presence of microplastics in the environment may disrupt
ecological balance and impact sensitive ecosystems.

Longevity and persistence: Microplastics are highly persistent in the environment, taking hundreds of years to degrade
fully. Therefore, once released into the environment through road construction, they can remain a problem for a long time,
continually posing potential risks to ecosystems and organisms.

Due to these potential environmental risks, it is crucial to thoroughly assess and manage the use of microplastics in road
construction to minimize their impact on the environment. Researchers, policymakers, and industries need to consider
these risks and explore ways to mitigate them, such as incorporating protective coatings to minimize leaching or
developing road materials that degrade more efficiently and pose fewer risks to the environment.
Design Technology
Sustainable road construction strives to reduce environmental impact, enhance road performance, and increase overall
durability while encouraging circular economy principles through the reuse of raw materials and waste reduction.

Plastic is the raw material that must be used to create an eco-design. Plastic roads are made from 100% recycled plastic and
have a longer lifespan than normal asphalt roads. They require less maintenance, and unlike asphalt, plastic is durable in all
climates. Plastic roads can be an environmentally friendly option for roads and pavements by mixing recycled plastic with
other sustainable materials.

Plastic roads, with careful consideration of the potential environmental consequences, can be an efficient strategy to
decrease plastic waste and extend the life of our roadways. According to the World Economic Forum, plastic roads are
three times stronger than asphalt roads. This means they can withstand harsh weather and are less affected by hazards,
making them far more durable.

Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, known as the "plastic man of India," was the first to patent a plastic road-building process in
India in 2006.
 Karnataka takes the top place in
India for using plastic waste in the
construction of national highways.
Thank
you!
 Citations
● https://dreamcivil.com/plastic-roads/#:~:text=Plastic%20roads%20are%20constructed%20employing,unsusceptible%20to%
20weathering%2C%20unlike%20asphalt
.

● https://theconstructor.org/others/plastic-roads-how-they-impact-our-environment/569385/#:~:text=By%20combining%20rec
ycled%20plastic%20with,the%20life%20of%20our%20roads
.

● https://blogs.worldbank.org/endpovertyinsouthasia/plastic-roads-made-waste-path-worth-paving-south-asia#:~:text=India%2
0has%20led%20the%20way,road%20construction%20method%20in%202006
.

● https://theconstructor.org/others/plastic-roads-how-they-impact-our-environment/569385/#:~:text=future%20maintenance%
20costs.-,Durability,making%20them%20significantly%20more%20durable
.

● https://theconstructor.org/others/plastic-roads-how-they-impact-our-environment/569385/#:~:text=Plastic%20roads%20are%
20an%20effective,decrease%20of%20carbon%20dioxide%20emissions
.

● https://prezi.com/3lvzdfemiu4d/the-chemistry-behind-road-construction/#:~:text=Asphalt%20is%20a%20sticky%2C%20bla
ck,warm%20mix%2C%20or%20cold%20mix
.

● https://www.peterschemical.com/road-treatment-information-about-calcium-chloride/