Performance of Bitumen Mixes Using E-Waste for Flexible Pavements

Abstract

The rapid advancement in technology  has led to a substantial increase in electronic waste (e waste) generation globally. The disposal of e-waste  presents significant environmental challenges due to the  presence of hazardous components. In an effort to address  these concerns and explore sustainable solutions, this  study investigates the potential of incorporating e-waste  materials in bitumen mixes for flexible pavement  applications. This research aims to evaluate the  performance characteristics of bitumen mixes containing  varying proportions of e-waste, aiming to determine their  feasibility and suitability for real-world road construction.  In this study, e-waste materials, predominantly consisting  of electronic components like printed circuit boards, are  processed and treated to be incorporated into bitumen mixes. A series of laboratory experiments are conducted  to assess key performance parameters of the e-waste modified bitumen mixes, including rutting resistance,  fatigue behavior, stability, and moisture susceptibility.  These results are compared with conventional bitumen  mixes to ascertain the effect of e-waste on pavement  performance. Preliminary findings indicate that the  incorporation of e-waste into bitumen mixes influences  the mechanical properties of the resulting blends. The  modified bitumen exhibits improved resistance to rutting  and enhanced fatigue characteristics in comparison to  conventional bitumen mixes. Additionally, the stability of  the e-waste-modified mixes demonstrates promising  results, suggesting their potential for load-bearing  applications. However, concerns related to moisture  susceptibility and long-term durability need further  investigation. This research contributes to the ongoing  efforts towards sustainable waste management and eco friendly road construction practices. The findings offer  insights into the viability of utilizing e-waste materials as  an additive in bitumen mixes for flexible pavements,  showcasing the potential to reduce the environmental  impact of both electronic waste disposal and road  construction. Further studies involving long-term field  performance and environmental assessments are  recommended to validate the laboratory findings and  ensure the safe implementation of e-waste-modified  bitumen mixes in actual road infrastructure.