Thesis
Evaluating Recycled Waste Plastic as an Extender and Modifier of Bitumen for Asphalt Production
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00151
Abstract
Plastic, once hailed as the ‘miracle material’ for its convenience and versality in manufacturing is now at the heart of consumer pollution and epitomises the throwaway culture of the 21st century. Plastic pollution is one of the most talked about challenges facing the environment and demands addressing from local councils and governments. Separately, the civil engineering industry has seen a dramatic shift focussing on environmental sustainability. One proposed method of promoting environmentally friendly construction is the use of recycled construction materials. An application of this that initially appears to directly combat the issues associated with plastic pollution is the incorporation of waste plastic to the bituminous binder portion of an asphalt mixture, for road construction. Previous research has associated waste plastics with an increased resistance to asphalt rutting and an in some cases, an improvement in asphalt mixture fatigue properties – supporting the use of waste plastics to improve some engineering properties of roads. Despite the demonstrated performance improvements associated with waste plastics in asphalt, significant gaps in existing research were identified on the practicalities of implementing this technology, preventing widespread and universal application of ‘plastic roads’.
Details
- Title
- Evaluating Recycled Waste Plastic as an Extender and Modifier of Bitumen for Asphalt Production
- Authors
- Finn Hall - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Contributors
- Greg White (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00151
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99649678502621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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