Blending HMA Bitumen with Non Bio Degradable Waste to Produce Sustainable and Eco-friendly Roads: An Experimental Study
摘要
India and many parts of the world are grappling with the challenge of disposing non-biodegradable waste, such as plastics and rubber. Repurposing this waste for various applications offers a viable solution to reduce the environmental burden on landfills while also lowering production costs. Researchers have explored the incorporation of discarded plastic and rubber waste in practical applications to mitigate landfill impact. This experimental study investigates the use of non-biodegradable materials like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and crumb rubber (CR) in road construction to create eco-friendly roads without compromising performance. Modified bitumen samples, referred to as “Eco Mix 1,” were produced by mechanically blending LDPE granules and shredded CR in a 1:1 ratio with hot bitumen. The Eco Mix 1 was used to replace bitumen in varying proportions (3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, and 9%) to produce hot mix asphalt (HMA) concrete. The engineering characteristics of these samples were evaluated using the Marshall method and compared against conventional mixes and single modifiers. Results from volumetric and Marshall tests revealed that the samples containing 3.5% LDPE and 3.5% CR exhibited the best performance, demonstrating potential for improved road construction with reduced environmental impact.