Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Civil Engineering Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 92-107)

ABSTRACT
Plastic manufacture and disposal produce greenhouse gases and toxic waste. Plastic
and associated compounds are accumulating on land, in seas, lakes, rivers, ice, and air,
harming human and ecological health. Global warming is one of the major issues
caused by plastic waste and requires considerable attention to be handled
systematically, even though everyone must contribute to the solution of this problem,
the global warming issue is projected to worsen in the coming years. Plastic pollution
may disrupt habitats and natural processes, reducing climate adaptation. This impacts
the livelihoods, food supplies, and social well-being of people. This is owing to the
fast growth in recycled plastic waste material, as discarded plastic bottles have become
a worldwide concern and are burnt for disposal, creating environmental pollution.
The study contains literature about several waste recycled materials usage in asphalt
but is focused on use of recycled plastic. The use of recycled plastic waste material in
pavement construction has shown that it may help with waste management, cost
reduction, and enhanced road quality, in addition to alleviating disposal issues. The
method employed for sorting the substantial articles needed is a highly structured
assessment of the literature, which involves a systematic search and screening of
articles investigating the use of recycled materials in pavement construction based on
accessible research results. The study also used qualitative content and systematic
analysis of data obtained from sources to evaluate statistical data about annual plastic
waste production, the cost of using recycled materials to achieve adequate quality and
strength, and the assumption that the pavement would be constructed with recycled
plastic waste materials to have sustainable roads.
According to the findings of our study, adding waste plastic into the construction of
roads improves the stability, strength, fatigue life, and other desirable attributes of
bituminous mixes. This ultimately results in an extended pavement lifespan and
performance. A circular economy that encourages waste collection services, recycling,
and reuse may reduce plastic waste. The research discovered that the cost of recycling
waste is somewhat high, however, the work performed on projects and the analysis
undertaken led to a 10 percent decrease in expenses. Plastic, on the other hand,
decreases the proportion of bitumen and gives a better mix blend with aggregates and
fillers. Using recycled plastic waste instead of asphalt or gravel in pavements
decreases landfill strains and excavation needs and improves other solid waste
management programs by diverting waste from landfills.
Keywords: Plastic waste, Plastic waste recycled materials in the pavement,
Sustainable roads, Use of Plastic, Waste recycled materials in the pavement.