Use of Polymers/ Waste Rubber in Road Network Development in Uttarakhand State

Abstract

Proper utilization of industrial polymer/waste tyre rubber are a major threat to environment specially in developing countries where poverty, population and lack of proper waste management have catalyzed this problem. Use of waste polymer like waste tyres in road construction has potential for utilization and disposal these waste polymers instead of non-environment friendly methods like burning and landfills. In this paper we have highlighted the use of polymeric material in scientific as well as eco-friendly point of new. The main focus of this paper is to review and discuss the feasibility for using polymer modified bitumen (PMB) for developing high performance road network in uttarakhand. The experimental results reported in this paper are taken from the test sections of polymer modified bituminous (PMB) road laid at delhi-yamanotri marg near Herbertpur under a joint project of Indian Institute Of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) and central road research institute (CRRI). This polymer modified bituminous road in the state is first of its kind. Three commercially available modified binders crumb rubber modifier (CRM) styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) were used for construction of test sections; which were compared for their performance. Various physical tests like elastic recovery, softening point, penetration, viscosity and fail temperatures were carried out on modified binders and post construction evaluation tests like unevenness index measurement and Benkelman Beam Deflection tests were carried out on test sections. The results show the improvement in engineering properties like marshall stability, retained stability of road compared to unmodified bituminous road in terms of traffic and weather conditions of Uttarakhand. The findings of this research can serve as the base for the use of other wastes from the industries in roads making technology on which the research is already in progress at CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum and CSIR-Central Road Research Institute.