Wonderful use for thin plastic road-waste


  Wonderful use for thin plastic road-waste.ppt (Size: 28 KB / Downloads: 0)

Discarded thin-plastic carry-bags are a menace.

In town they clog drains, cause flooding, choke animals that eat them and are unsightly.

Strewn across fields, they block germination and prevent rainwater absorption by soil.

Recycling plastic by melting releases fumes,and is only possible 3-4 times.

Toxic contents might leach into recycled water-pots or water-pipes.


Shredded plastic is a great additive for tar roads.


Burying plastic forever into roads is the safest.
A new KK* Blower under patent in Bangalore introduces it uniformly into Hot-Mix Plants.
Polymer-Modified Bitumen is in use since long.
It is approved in the Indian Roads Congress’ Special Publication 53 guidelines, 1999.
Best results are with 8% waste by weight in 80/100 grade bitumen.

Advantages of waste plastic in asphalt road surfaces


Reduced penetration and ductility, a higher softening point, less rutting and cold cracking.

Marshall stability value is initially 25% better, later 200-300% better than unmodified roads.

Test samples show 260% improved resistance to water-soaking, hence ideal for sub-grade.

100% improvement in fatigue life of roads.

Greatly reduced road cracking after 1 year on Bangalore-Mysore Rd, vs unmodified road.


Political Will is the Missing Factor


Plastic bags disposal need never be a problem:
A street price of Rs 5 per kg will reduce litter.
Corruption in road works is a major obstacle:
State and Central PWDs and National Highway Authority must incorporate waste-plastic modified bitumen into all road specifications.
BOOT road-builders will benefit the most.