A Review Paper on Reuse of Plastic Waste as Pavement Construction Material

Abstract

Abstract: The exponential rise in the production of plastic and the consequential surge in plastic waste have led the scientists and researchers look out for innovative and sustainable means to reuse/recycle the plastic waste in order to reduce its negative impact on environment. Construction material, converting waste plastic into fuel, household goods, fabric and clothing are some of the sectors where waste plastic is emerging as a viable option. Out of these, construction material modified with plastic waste has garnered lot of attention. Modification of construction material with plastic waste serves a dual purpose. It reduces the amount of plastic waste going to landfills or litter and secondly lessens the use of mined construction materials, thereby mitigating the negative impact of construction industry on environment. This article summarizes advances related to the use of plastic waste as a component of building materials. The inclusion of plastic waste as a binder, aggregate, fine aggregate, modifier or substitute for cement and sand in the production of bricks, tiles, concrete and roads has been comprehensively considered. The effect of the addition of plastic waste on strength properties, water absorption, durability, etc. was also discussed in detail. Studies reviewed for this review were categorized according to whether they used plastic waste to produce bricks and tiles or concrete for road construction.