Impact of bitumen binder: Scope of bio-based binder for construction of flexible pavement

Abstract

Bitumen (asphalt) is a very complex material which is widely used as binder for flexible pavement but it is a hazardous material during production of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) with low dielectric constant (ε'). This paper provides a review about the bituminous material in the sector of construction of roads and highways. The behavior and adverse effects caused by bitumen binder to the environment as well as to the living being and need of alternative sources are discussed here. Statistics shows that a large number of workers are involved in the construction of flexible pavement around the world and they are exposed to the bituminous fume generated in the Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) process which causes severe damage to their health even cause cancer. When the bitumen spill exposed to the environment, bitumen fume and washed away particle mix with the environmental elements and cause pollution. To overcome this situation, world needs an alternative bio-based binder which will be efficient enough, cost effective and environment friendly.