IRC:SP:98-2013 - Guidelines for the Use of Waste Plastic in Hot Bituminous Mixes (Dry Process) in Wearing Courses

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Road construction plays a vital role in infrastructure development, but it also contributes to environmental challenges. The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) has addressed this by introducing IRC:SP:98-2013, titled Guidelines for the Use of Waste Plastic in Hot Bituminous Mixes (Dry Process) in Wearing Courses. This document provides a roadmap for incorporating waste plastic in road construction, promoting sustainability while enhancing road durability.

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Why Use Waste Plastic in Road Construction?

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Plastic waste is a significant environmental hazard due to its non-biodegradable nature. Incorporating waste plastic into bituminous mixes helps in:

• Reducing plastic pollution by repurposing non-recyclable plastics.
• Enhancing pavement durability with improved resistance to deformation and moisture damage.
• Improving Marshall stability and strength of bituminous mixes.
• Contributing to cost-effective road construction by reducing bitumen consumption.

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Key Aspects Covered in IRC:SP:98-20131.

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‍Types of Plastic Suitable for Road Construction

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‍The guideline identifies thermoplastic materials as suitable for road construction. These include:

• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) – Found in carry bags and pouches.
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – Used in bottles and household containers.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – Common in water bottles.
• Polypropylene (PP) – Used in caps, wrappers, and food containers.

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2. Dry Process of Using Waste Plastic in Bituminous Mixes

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‍The dry process involves:

1. Collection and segregation of plastic waste.
2. Shredding plastic to small sizes (passing 2.36 mm sieve and retained on 600 microns).
3. Mixing shredded plastic with hot aggregates before adding bitumen.
4. Laying and compacting the bituminous mix to form the road surface.

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3. Advantages of Waste Plastic in Bituminous Mixes

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‍Using waste plastic in road construction offers several benefits:

• Increased resistance to water-induced damage, reducing pothole formation.
• Enhanced durability with better binding properties.
• Reduction in bitumen usage, making road construction cost-effective.
• Utilization of non-recyclable plastic, reducing landfill waste.
• Improved resistance to rutting and wear, leading to longer road life.

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4. Construction and Quality Control Measures

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‍To ensure uniformity and efficiency, the document outlines:

• Proper temperature control to prevent thermal degradation of plastic.
• Quality checks on plastic waste for impurity levels and melt-flow properties.
• Correct proportioning of plastic and bitumen to maintain mix stability.
• On-site monitoring to ensure adherence to specifications.

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Case Studies on Plastic Roads in IndiaSeveral Indian states have successfully implemented plastic roads, demonstrating their benefits:

• Tamil Nadu: Over 1000 km of plastic roads constructed under eco-friendly initiatives.
• Karnataka: More than 2000 km of roads paved using plastic waste.
• Delhi: Multiple stretches totaling 50 km, showcasing long-term performance benefits.

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Conclusion

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The IRC:SP:98-2013 guidelines pave the way for sustainable road construction by integrating waste plastic into bituminous mixes. By adopting these practices, engineers, contractors, and policymakers can contribute to reducing plastic waste while building durable and eco-friendly roads.

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