Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083

Utilization of Plastic Waste as an Additive in

Bituminous Mixes for Flexible Road Construction
Sanjay Marjive1; Pravin Chachere2; Ajey Dongre3;
Pranali Nirgule4; Palash Sandekar5; Kajal Vitole6; Prajwal Nagpure7
1
Professor, 2,3,4,5,6,7Students,
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Department of Civil Engineering, MIET Shahapur, Bhandara, Maharashtra, India

Publication Date: 2025/05/17

Abstract: Plastic waste and its disposal pose a significant threat to the environment, contributing heavily to pollution and
global warming. Among various types of waste, plastic is one of the most harmful to nature due to its non-biodegradable
properties. While plastics are convenient and widely used, they are not environmentally friendly. Traditional road surfaces
made with plain bitumen often face issues such as bleeding in high temperatures, cracking in colder climates, reduced load-
bearing capacity, and damage from the increasing axial loads caused by modern infrastructure growth.

Incorporating plastic waste into road construction offers a dual benefit: enhancing pavement durability and addressing
the growing problem of plastic waste management. The process involves shredding the plastic, coating it over aggregates,
and then mixing it with hot bitumen. This composite mix is used in flexible pavement construction. The primary goal of the
associated testing is to determine the optimal percentage of plastic waste that can partially replace bitumen while
maintaining or improving the performance of the pavement.

Keywords: Waste Plastics, Asphalt Binder, Coarse Aggregates, Polymer-Modified Roads, Plastic-Asphalt-Aggregate Blend.

How to Cite: Sanjay Marjive; Pravin Chachere; Ajey Dongre; Pranali Nirgule; Palash Sandekar; Kajal Vitole; Prajwal Nagpure.
(2025). Utilization of Plastic Waste as an Additive in Bituminous Mixes for Flexible Road Construction.
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology,
10(4), 4068-4076. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083.

I. INTRODUCTION

Plastic has become an integral part of modern life,

leading to a major concern regarding its disposal. Since
plastic is non-biodegradable, it contributes to environmental
issues such as the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Plastics are generally classified into two main types: thermo
sets and thermoplastics. Thermo sets are known for their high
strength and durability, as they harden permanently upon
heating. Due to these properties, they are particularly suitable
for use in construction-related applications.

Plastic waste, such as discarded bottles (Fig. 1), can be

used to modify bitumen and aggregates, improving certain
characteristics of these construction materials. However, the
disposal of plastic waste (Fig. 2) poses significant challenges.
Being non-biodegradable, plastic remains in the environment
for long periods. Land filling plastic is hazardous, as toxic
substances can leach into the soil and contaminate
underground water sources, thereby polluting nearby water
bodies.
Fig 1: Plastic Waste-Disposable Bottles.

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083
 Disadvantages

 Collection and Segregation Challenges

 Processing Requirements
 Health and Safety Concerns
 Inconsistent Quality
 Limited Awareness and Implementation
 Environmental Risks if Not Handled Properly

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

 Dr. R. Vasudevan (2007), His findings show that

combining polymers with bitumen results in a more
effective binder. This modified blend shows an increase in
softening point, a reduction in penetration value, and
maintains sufficient ductility, making it more suitable than
regular bitumen.
Fig 2: Various Material of Plastic Wastes  Nagarajan (2014), The study concludes that crushed
stone offers improved resistance to mechanical stresses
 Scope of The Project such as impact, abrasion, and crushing, when compared to
traditional granite aggregates. It can be mixed directly
 Identification and classification of different types of with asphalt for various tests, excluding water absorption
plastic waste that is appropriate for use in pavement analysis.
construction.  Ramadhansyah et al. (2014), Researchers emphasized
 Conversion of plastic waste into a practical form—such the development of pavement materials with enhanced
as shredded or granulated plastic—for its effective structural and mechanical properties. Traditional pervious
integration with bitumen and aggregates. concrete (PC) pavements often fall short in strength due
 Conducting laboratory experiments to analyze and to high porosity, making it difficult to achieve desired
compare the physical and mechanical characteristics of durability with standard material mixes.
plastic-enhanced bitumen with those of standard bitumen.  Thulasirajan (2011), Investigated the effects of coconut
 Evaluating the performance of the resulting pavement, fibers on flexible pavement properties by adjusting fiber
including factors like durability, load-bearing capacity, content, binder percentage, and fiber length. The study
water resistance, and resistance to deformation under indicated that incorporating coconut fibers can
stress. significantly enhance resistance to traffic-induced stress.
 Analyzing environmental implications, focusing on the  Sunil J. Kulkarni (2015), Discussed the extensive use of
advantages of utilizing plastic waste in road construction plastics in both household and industrial sectors, and
to mitigate pollution and reduce landfill dependency. pointed out that improper disposal remains a major issue.
 Economic assessment to determine the practicality and The research proposed that plastic waste could serve as a
cost-efficiency of adopting this technique for large-scale raw material for alternative products like ethanol.
infrastructure projects.  Prof. C.E.G. Justo (2015), Stated that integrating 8% of
processed plastic (by weight) into bitumen can lead to a
 Objectives reduction in bitumen use by approximately 0.4% in the
mix, translating to a savings of about 9.6 kg per cubic
 Bitumen and Aggregate Mixtures meter of bituminous concrete.
 Ms. Apurva Chavan (2013), Highlighted the multiple
 Durability and Longevity benefits of utilizing plastic waste in road construction,
 Strength and Stability: such as lowering bitumen usage by around 10%, boosting
 Flexibility and Workability pavement performance, eliminating the need for anti-
stripping agents, and reducing environmental hazards
 Advantages through effective plastic reuse.

 Environmental Sustainability III. METHODOLOGY

 Enhanced Road Durability
 Increased Lifespan of Roads The methodology employed in this study encompasses
 Cost-Effective a thorough approach to assessing the potential advantages of
integrating waste plastic into bituminous mixes for road
 Improved Binding Properties
pavements. The following steps outline the detailed
 Reduction in Carbon Footprint
methodology:

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083
A. Use of Materials

 Aggregate
Used in the construction of base layers for roads and
other infrastructure projects, as well as in the
production of bitumen. Tests perform on aggregate in
laboratory as (fig. 3) sieve analysis, specific gravity testing,
and potentially other tests to assess its particle size
distribution, durability, and suitability for specific
applications like concrete mixes or pavement base layers.
Aggregate properties play a vital role in pavement
performance, and various tests are outlined in construction
standards to assess them. These include evaluations of
mechanical strength, impact resistance, particle shape and
texture, clay contamination, surface hardness, long-term
durability, geometric form, and the material’s ability to Fig 3: Test Perform on Aggregates (Size-10mm)
adhere to bituminous binders.

 Experimental Results:

Table 1: Test Results with Modified Aggregate

Normal 5% Plastic Added 6% Plastic Added 7% Plastic Added
Test
aggregate Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate
Specific gravity & Water
0.6 0.5 0.45 0.45
absorption
Crushing Value Test 21.45 19.86 19.04 18.12

Fig 4: Specific Gravity & Water Absorption and Crushing Value vs Plastic Coated Aggregates

 Bitumen For this study, bitumen grades 60/70 and 80/100 were
Bitumen is commonly used as a binder in road used, with VG-70 bitumen being specifically tested in the
construction. It can be obtained as a residue from the refining laboratory (Fig. 5). One of the key qualities of bitumen that
process or from naturally occurring asphalt deposits. has made it a popular construction material is its exceptional
Bitumen, often referred to as asphalt, contains a significant binding ability. It softens when heated, making it ideal for use
amount of solid mineral matter. This black, sticky, and thick in pavement construction.
substance is an organic byproduct derived from the
decomposition of natural organic materials.

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083
 Experimental Results:

Table 2: Test Results with Modified Bitumen

Test Normal 5% Plastic Added 6% Plastic 7% Plastic
Bitumen Bitumen Added Bitumen Added Bitumen
Ductility (cm) 86 42 34 23

Fig 5: Test Perform on Bitumen (VG-70)

Fig 6: Ductility vs Plastic Added Bitumen

 Plastic Material Plastic waste refers to unwanted or discarded plastic

Plastics are generally classified based on the chemical items that pose a threat to the environment when not managed
structure of their polymer backbone and side chains. Major properly. These materials are synthetic polymers derived
categories include acrylics, polyesters, silicones, from petroleum-based compounds. While their long-lasting
polyurethanes, and halogenated polymers. nature makes them highly versatile, it also creates significant
environmental challenges when disposal is mishandled.

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083

Fig 7: Waste Plastic Bottles & Disposal Glasses

The methodology employed in this study encompasses C. Cubes Casting

a thorough approach to assessing the potential advantages of
integrating waste plastic into bituminous mixes for road  Aggregate + Bitumen
pavements. The following steps outline the detailed The cube casting procedure for bitumen and aggregate
methodology: mixtures in a compressive test follows a structured
methodology to evaluate strength and durability. a step-by-
 Segregation - Plastic waste sourced from various outlets step breakdown:
undergoes meticulous segregation to isolate it from other
waste materials.  Material Preparation
 Cleaning Stage – The separated plastic waste is
thoroughly washed and dried to eliminate impurities, dirt,  Collect bitumen, aggregates, and any additional
and moisture content. stabilizers.
 Shredding Stage – After cleaning, the plastic is cut or  Heat aggregates to around 170°C for proper bonding.
shredded into small, consistent fragments to ensure  Heat bitumen separately to 160-170°C and mix it with
uniform mixing with bitumen. aggregates.
 Collection Stage – Plastic particles that remain on a 2.36
mm IS sieve are carefully gathered for further treatment  Mixing & Molding
and use in the bituminous mix.
 Blend the bitumen-aggregate mixture thoroughly.
B. Testing of Materials  Pour the mix into standard cube molds (typically 70mm x
Various tests are performing in laboratory on both 70mm x 70mm).
aggregate and bitumen to comprehensively characterize their  Compact the mix using a vibrating table or manual
properties. These tests include: tamping.

 Test for Aggregate  Curing Process

 Specific Gravity & Water Absorption Test  Allow the cubes to cool and set for 24 hours.
 Aggregate Crushing Value Test  Cure the specimens under controlled conditions for 7days.
 Flakiness & Elongation Index
 Compressive Strength Testing
 Test for Bitumen
 Place the cube in a compression testing machine (CTM).
 Ductility Test  Apply gradual load until failure occurs.
 Record the maximum load applied to the specimen.

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083

a b

c d
Fig 8: Cube Casting on Bitumen-Aggregate Mixture

 Experimental Results:

Table 3: Proportion of Aggregate & Bitumen

No. 1 2 3
Wt of Aggregate in Kg 6 6 6
Ratio of Bitumen in % 2 3 4
Wt. of Bitumen in gm 120 180 240
No. of Cubes 6 6 6

 Aggregate + Bitumen + Plastic Waste  Mixing & Molding

The cube casting procedure for plastic-bitumen-
aggregate mixtures in a compressive test follows a structured  Blend the plastic-bitumen-aggregate mixture thoroughly.
methodology to evaluate strength and durability. step-by-step  Pour the mix into standard cube molds (typically 70mm x
breakdown: 70mm x 70mm).
 Compact the mix using a vibrating table or manual
 Material Preparation tamping.

 Collect plastic waste, bitumen, and aggregates.  Curing Process

 Clean and shred plastic into small pieces (typically 2.34 -
4.75mm).  Allow the cubes to cool and set for 24 hours.
 Heat aggregates to around 170°C and coat them with  Cure the specimens under controlled conditions for 7
shredded plastic. days.
 Heat bitumen separately to 160-170°C & mix with  Compressive Strength Testing
plastic-coated aggregates.  Place the cube in a compression testing machine (CTM).
 Apply gradual load until failure occurs.
 Record the maximum load applied to the specimen.

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083

Fig 9: Cube Casting on Plastic-Bitumen-Aggregate Mixture

 Experimental Results:

Table 4: Proportion of Aggregate + Bitumen + Plastic Waste

No. 1 2 3
Wt of Aggregate in Kg 6 6 6
Ratio of Bitumen in % 2 3 4
Wt. of Bitumen in gm 120 180 240
Plastic Waste in % (by weight of bitumen) 5 6 7
Wt. of Plastic in gm (by weight of bitumen) 6 10.8 16.8
No. of Cubes 6 6 6

 To Check a Compressive Strength methodologies. The most reliable results come from
Checking the compressive strength of bituminous controlled laboratory tests on sample specimens. Shown in
concrete involves both laboratory and potential field testing fig. 10.

Fig 10: Compressive Strength Check on Cube of Plastic-Bitumen-Aggregate Mixture

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2083
 Experimental Results on Wet & Dry Process:

Table 5: Check Wet & Dry Process on Plastic, Bitumen & Aggregate
Bitumen content Plastic waste content Wet Process Dry Process
(%) (% - by wt of bitumen) Peak Compressive Peak Compressive
Load Strength Load Strength
(KN) (N/mm2) (KN) (N/mm2)
2 5 40.56 2.16 31.40 2.10
6 41.34 3.54 32.15 2.65
7 42.87 4.22 33.55 3.24
3 5 41.24 2.32 32 2.42
6 42.04 3.74 32.80 3.11
7 42.92 4.41 34.14 3.94
4 5 42.34 2.46 32.06 2.86
6 43.76 3.96 33.23 3.46
7 44.28 4.88 34.87 4.34

 Comparison of the Results (This Research Paper Results and Other Research Paper Results)

Table 6: Other Research Paper Result on Plastic, Bitumen & Aggregate

Plastic waste content Wet Process Dry Process
Bitumen content
(% - by wt of Peak Load Compressive Peak Load Compressive
(%)
bitumen) (KN) Strength (N/mm2) (KN) Strength (N/mm2)
7 42.87 4.15 35.18 3.22
4.5 8 43.52 4.72 36.36 3.48
9 45.63 5.12 37.44 4.57
7 43.10 4.23 35.41 3.46
5.5 8 44.16 4.85 36.41 3.76
9 45.94 5.45 37.94 4.82
7 43.54 4.86 35.88 3.67
6.5 8 44.53 5.32 36.97 4.13
9 46.04 6.13 38.20 5.15

In above two results are weight and proportions to the REFERENCES

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