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EXPLORING RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BITUMEN-HDPE PLASTIC BLENDS FOR ENHANCING ROAD PERFORMANCE

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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue: 03 | Mar 2024

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

www.irjet.net

EXPLORING RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BITUMEN-HDPE PLASTIC BLENDS FOR ENHANCING ROAD PERFORMANCE Dr. D. Koteswara Rao1, Sajida Sulthana Mohammed2, Thatavarthi S S P C N Rohith3 Nandigam Raghava4, Mohammad Heena5, Mohammad Ahmed Alisha6 1Professor, Head of The Civil Engineering Department, OSD To Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University College of

Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India 2Assistant Professor(C), Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A), JNTUK,

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India 3,4,5,6 U.G. Final year Students, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada(A),

JNTUK, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------

Abstract – Due to the escalating traffic volume, there is now

performance. Among these innovations one is the incorporation of waste HDPE plastic into bituminous roads.

a requirement to develop pavements capable of withstanding heavy and extremely heavy traffic loads. This could be attained by increasing the bitumen content, but it is not cost-effective. However, the same effect can be achieved by incorporating marginal materials into the bitumen. The current study investigates the use of HDPE derived from cement bags as a marginal material. Several tests are performed on bitumenHDPE plastic blends to investigate the rheological characteristics of the composite material. In the current study, HDPE plastic strips from cement bags are shredded and mixed with bitumen to produce plastic modified bitumen (PMB), which also provides an alternative solution for safe plastic disposal that does not harm the environment.

The Government of India has been proactive in advocating for the utilization of plastic waste in road building endeavors. This initiative not only tackles the challenge of plastic waste management but also enhances road quality and longevity. Incorporating plastic waste into road construction entails blending shredded plastic waste with bitumen, resulting in a modified bitumen mixture utilized in road laying. This approach not only aids in repurposing plastic waste but also enhances road properties, rendering them more resilient to degradation and increasing flexibility [8]. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has released guidelines and specifications governing the utilization of plastic waste in road construction, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards [7].

Key Words: HDPE plastic, Bitumen, Flexible pavements, Pot hole patch work, Cement bags, Plastic waste, Polymer.

1. INTRODUCTION

HDPE, known as High-Density Poly Ethylene, is commonly used in items like bags, cement bags, and pipes. When we dispose of these plastics, it harms the environment. However, reusing this waste HDPE plastic in pavement construction can improve the durability, strength and performance of the pavements.

The advancement of any nation hinges significantly on its infrastructure. Developing and underdeveloped countries alike require substantial investment in road infrastructure to spur economic growth, elevate living standards, and nurture social progress. Nonetheless, it's imperative to guarantee that such investments are sustainable, inclusive, and cater to the requirements of local communities. Enhanced road infrastructure facilitates tourism and trade by facilitating access to remote areas, thereby generating notable benefits for local economies such as heightened tourism income and broader trade connections.

Plastic is incorporated into bitumen in two ways: the dry process and the wet process. In the dry process, plastic is heated with aggregates. On the other hand, in the wet process, bitumen and plastic are heated separately and then mixed together using a stirrer [6]. Production of High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) worldwide between 2019 and 2021

India stands on the brink of a significant leap forward in transportation infrastructure. With the surge in traffic volumes over recent decades, there's a pressing need for more robust and enduring pavements. Innovations in pavement design are emerging to enhance road

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