An Investigation into the Practicality of Using Low Density Polyethylene Modified Bituminous Mix for DBM Layer in Flexible Pavement

In this chapter, we investigate how bitumen's properties might vary when modifiers are added, and we'll also build a method for determining how reliable a given mix design is. By taking into account these factors, statistical analysis has shown that the bituminous mix generated experimentally is also trustworthy when applied in real-world situations. To address the modern-day challenges and ensure the durability of pavements, proper strengthening measures become imperative. The conventional mixes have shown early distress development, underscoring the necessity for design specifications based on performance tests to mitigate and manage these issues effectively. The current study comprehensively evaluates the role of the Low-Density Polyethylene (waste milk pouches) on the performance properties of bituminous mixes for the DBM layer. A mixture performance test was conducted corresponding to the optimum binder content by conducting different performance tests. Experimental studies demonstrated that waste milk pouches (6% by weight of the binder) modified bituminous mix give the best result in terms of stability and durability. Results show stability corresponding to 6% waste plastic modified mix, provides the highest value which is 40 percent higher than the mix consisting of no plastic. However, the increment of plastic content generates less susceptible nature of the mix, where 8% waste plastic provides the highest TSR value as compared to their counterparts (94.1%). Experimental results indicated that using the waste milk pouches in bitumen is not only a cost-effective mix but also a very good solution in terms of improving bitumen pavement mix properties.