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

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.