As of 2017, nearly 8,300 million tonnes of virgin plastics have been produced globally. Of this, only around 9% is recycled and about 12 % incinerated and so a total of about 79 % finds its way into landfills or the natural environment. There has been numerous studies & researches to overcome the growing problem of plastic waste disposal. One possible solution that has made its mark in following years is using plastic for road construction. In 2015, the Union Government issued guidelines for use of plastic waste in roads of National Highways on pilot basis.
Use of Plastics for Road Construction: Background
Since 2001, the plastic man of India R. Vasudevan, Dean, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, and his team at the Centre for Studies on Solid Waste Management (CSSWM) have been researching on feasibility of using Plastics in construction of roads. Laboratory results of mixing waste plastic with heated bitumen and coating the mixture over stone proved positive and he implemented the use of plastic waste on a road constructed inside the premises of his college in 2002. In 2006, the Thiagarajar College of Engineering received the patent for this technology. Later, a performance appraisal by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that plastic roads did not develop familiar defects: potholes, rutting, ravelling or edge flaw, even after four years.
Additional Benefits of using Plastics for Roads
Besides improving environment sustainability, roads made by Plastics are found more durable and cost-effective. Plastic and bitumen bond well together because both are petroleum products. This combination enhances the road’s ability to carry weight, as well as its life. The roads also show greater resistance to damages caused by heavy rains.
Key Benefits:
1.Overall consumption of bitumen decreases.
2.While asphalt roads last for three years, roads with plastic have longevity of seven years. (Increased Marshall Stability Value)
3.Water does not seep through — hence less stripping and potholes
4.Road does not crack or melt, so maintenance cost of the road decreases.
5.Increased load withstanding property( Withstanding increased load transport)
6.No leaching of plastics and no effect of radiation like UV.
Source: prakati
