EFFECTS OF PLASTIC WASTE ADDITION TO NEAT BITUMEN IN ASPHALT CONCRETE PRODUCTION

Abstract

Currently, huge amount of waste materials are being generating from different industries on the world. Among these plastic waste bottle is the most dangerous materials to the environment which needs solution. Ethiopia is on the verge of quick industrial development in different areas, along with high population growth. This development is an evident increase in the consumption of plastic bottle water. A disposal of huge consumed plastic bottles cause an environmental hazard and are considered non-biodegradable materials. The solution to this problem is reprocessing these non-biodegradable materials to save natural resources and minimizing environmental effects. This paper assessed the technique on how plastic waste materials can be reused in road construction. In this study, the plastic waste was used as an additive in the mix with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% by weight of optimum bitumen content. The addition of plastic waste improved the workability of bitumen by reducing the ductility and improving the penetration and softening point. Also, the addition of plastic content (pc) to the mix improved the Marshall Stability, stripping resistance and rutting resistance. Conversely, plastic waste has an impact on the fatigue resistance of the mixture if it is added excessively. Finally, the addition of plastic waste could be applicable in stripping resistance if it is added up to 5% to the neat bitumen.