A study on influence of partial replacement of bitumen by low density polyethylene

What is it about?

The black, highly viscous, semi-solid form of petroleum is bitumen. Road construction uses asphalt (bitumen) as a binder during asphalt concrete construction, which is designed to bind aggregate particles. The asphalt roads are flexible roads. Using alternative binders can save natural resources and reduce energy consumption, while maintaining and improving pavement performance. In this work, the bitumen is partially replaced by plastic. Plastics are the municipal waste that is produced in a larger amount, which has the property binding. A shear mixer is used to mix the plastics with the bitumen 'in situ', at temperatures between 150°C and 160°C.The basic tests on the aggregates such as flakiness index, elongation index, specific gravity, crushing test, impact test, attrition test, abrasion test are conducted. Then the tests for bitumen: Flash and fire point test, softening point, consistency test, ductility and viscosity test are conducted. These tests are conducted to obtain the gradation of aggregate and bitumen. The bitumen is replaced with plastic in the percentage of 5%, 7.5% and 10%. The stability values obtained are plotted in a graph. The obtained stability values are compared with the nominal mix.

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Why is it important?

Based on the laboratory tests conducted, the behaviour of bitumen and the addition of low-density polyethylene produces favourable changes in the properties of bitumen and improved the Marshall Characteristics. On the basis of observation and analysis of the results following conclusions are drawn: Using waste polymer in terms of waste plastic contributes to a reduction of waste materials in the environment it can yield several advantages as follows: • Preservation of limited fossil resources during manufacture, • Reduction of energy consumption, • Reduction of disposed and discarded solid materials and reduction of co2 emissions. • The use of waste polymers as modifiers is also one way to reduce the overall cost of road paving projects. • The softening point value increases with increasing percentages of LDPE • The penetration values decreases with increasing percentages of LDPE.