Performance of Bitumen Mixes Using E-Waste for Flexible Pavements

Iqra Meerak; Asif Altaf

doi:10.55524/ijirem.2023.10.4.22

Abstract

The rapid advancement in technology has led to a substantial increase in electronic waste (e-waste) generation globally. The disposal of e-waste presents significant environmental challenges due to the presence of hazardous components. In an effort to address these concerns and explore sustainable solutions, this study investigates the potential of incorporating e-waste materials in bitumen mixes for flexible pavement applications. This research aims to evaluate the performance characteristics of bitumen mixes containing varying proportions of e-waste, aiming to determine their feasibility and suitability for real-world road construction. In this study, e-waste materials, predominantly consisting of electronic components like printed circuit boards, are processed and treated to be incorporated into bitumen mixes. A series of laboratory experiments are conducted to assess key performance parameters of the e-waste-modified bitumen mixes, including rutting resistance, fatigue behavior, stability, and moisture susceptibility. These results are compared with conventional bitumen mixes to ascertain the effect of e-waste on pavement performance. Preliminary findings indicate that the incorporation of e-waste into bitumen mixes influences the mechanical properties of the resulting blends. The modified bitumen exhibits improved resistance to rutting and enhanced fatigue characteristics in comparison to conventional bitumen mixes. Additionally, the stability of the e-waste-modified mixes demonstrates promising results, suggesting their potential for load-bearing applications. However, concerns related to moisture susceptibility and long-term durability need further investigation. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts towards sustainable waste management and eco-friendly road construction practices. The findings offer insights into the viability of utilizing e-waste materials as an additive in bitumen mixes for flexible pavements, showcasing the potential to reduce the environmental impact of both electronic waste disposal and road construction. Further studies involving long-term field performance and environmental assessments are recommended to validate the laboratory findings and ensure the safe implementation of e-waste-modified bitumen mixes in actual road infrastructure.

Keywords

e-Waste, Bitumen Mixes, Flexible Pavements, Sustainable Construction, Pavement Performance.

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Cites this article as

I. Meerak, A. A. , "Performance of Bitumen Mixes Using E-Waste for Flexible Pavements", International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering & Management (IJIREM), Vol-10, Issue-4, Page No-168-173, 2023. Available from: https://doi.org/10.55524/ijirem.2023.10.4.22