Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Hunter Smith, Senior Caden Hoffer Robert Kincart Winston De Feria Weber
Lead Presenter's Name
Hunter Smith
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Payal Kotecha
Abstract
Plastic waste production continues to increase worldwide, creating significant environmental and waste management challenges. With over 350 million tons of plastic waste generated annually, researchers and engineers are exploring innovative methods to reuse materials in sustainable construction practices. To reduce construction waste and make productive use of recycled materials, engineers are investigating utilization applications for plastic waste in pavement systems. This project examines the use of recycled plastic as a modifier in asphalt pavement mixtures to improve road performance while addressing environmental concerns. The objective of this work is to evaluate how incorporating recycled plastics into asphalt mixtures can enhance pavement long-term durability and sustainability, while also determining the feasibility and constructability using these methods. The study reviews current research on plastic-modified asphalt, including implementation methods such as dry and wet mixing processes, and evaluates the material's influence on properties such as stiffness, viscosity, and resistance to rutting. Case studies and existing projects in countries such as India, Canada, and the United States should demonstrate the practical application of plastic-modified pavements with the help of the team's research. Preliminary findings suggest that certain types of recycled plastics can improve pavement resistance to deformation and extend service life, while diverting significant quantities of plastic waste from landfills. However, potential challenges such as microplastic runoff and reduced flexibility at low temperatures require further research to be able to provide a solution to this issue. Overall, the project highlights the potential of plastic-modified asphalt as a sustainable solution for both waste management and roadway construction.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Transportation Engineering Commons
Plastic Roads and Waste Utilization in Pavements: Recycling Plastic Waste Into Durable Road Construction
Plastic waste production continues to increase worldwide, creating significant environmental and waste management challenges. With over 350 million tons of plastic waste generated annually, researchers and engineers are exploring innovative methods to reuse materials in sustainable construction practices. To reduce construction waste and make productive use of recycled materials, engineers are investigating utilization applications for plastic waste in pavement systems. This project examines the use of recycled plastic as a modifier in asphalt pavement mixtures to improve road performance while addressing environmental concerns. The objective of this work is to evaluate how incorporating recycled plastics into asphalt mixtures can enhance pavement long-term durability and sustainability, while also determining the feasibility and constructability using these methods. The study reviews current research on plastic-modified asphalt, including implementation methods such as dry and wet mixing processes, and evaluates the material's influence on properties such as stiffness, viscosity, and resistance to rutting. Case studies and existing projects in countries such as India, Canada, and the United States should demonstrate the practical application of plastic-modified pavements with the help of the team's research. Preliminary findings suggest that certain types of recycled plastics can improve pavement resistance to deformation and extend service life, while diverting significant quantities of plastic waste from landfills. However, potential challenges such as microplastic runoff and reduced flexibility at low temperatures require further research to be able to provide a solution to this issue. Overall, the project highlights the potential of plastic-modified asphalt as a sustainable solution for both waste management and roadway construction.