Application of solid waste materials in cold bitumen emulsion mixtures for cleaner pavement industry: a comprehensive review.

There is a global concern with continuous waste production, and efforts are underway to use these wastes in the construction sector. The negative effects of excessive waste production and the use of virgin materials and energy in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) construction are challenging and require attention. The right step towards developing resilient road infrastructure is using cold bitumen emulsion mixtures (CBEMs), a cold mix asphalt (CMA). A long-term fix to issues with waste generation and the creation of flexible pavements with HMA can be found by incorporating wastes into CMA. This work reviews the utilization of numerous wastes from different sectors (agricultural, industrial, construction and demolition, and municipal) that are well-known but underutilized and could be used as potential fillers in cold asphalt mixtures. Focus is given to the critical analysis of wastes' physiochemical characteristics and how these affected the effectiveness of mixtures against primary distresses like stability, stiffness, rutting, cracking, fatigue, and moisture susceptibility. Almost all waste materials incorporation reported enhancement in the mechanical performance of CBEM mixes concerning conventional CBEM mixes. The paper sums up the impact on various mechanical properties of CBEM mixes utilizing waste material filler, presents research gaps and a way forward to inspire researchers, and serves as a guideline for using waste materials as fillers in CBEM mixes. This will improve environmental quality and promote sustainability in the paving industry.

Road traffic noise pollution and prevalence of ischemic heart disease: modelling potential association and abatement strategies in noise-exposed areas.

In many developing countries with surging vehicular traffic and inadequate traffic management, excessive road traffic noise exposure poses substantial health concerns, linked to increased stress, insomnia and other metabolic disorders. This study aims to assess the linkage between sociodemographic factors, traffic noise levels in residential areas and health effects using a cross-sectional study analyzing respondents' perceptions and reports. Noise levels were measured at 57 locations in Srinagar, India, using noise level meter. Sound PLAN software was employed to generate noise contour maps, enabling the visualization of noise monitoring locations and facilitating the assessment of noise levels along routes in proximity to residential areas. Correlation analysis showed a strong linear relationship between field-measured and modelled noise (r2 = 0.88). Further, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out near the sampling points to evaluate the association of ischemic heart disease with traffic noise. Residents exposed to noise levels (Lden > 60 dB(A)) were found to have a 2.24 times higher odds ratio. Compared to females, males reported a 16% higher prevalence of the disease. Multi-faceted policy strategies involving noise mapping initiatives, source noise standards, traffic flow urban mobility optimization, smart city initiatives and stringent litigatory measures could significantly reduce its detrimental impact on public health. Finally, this study envisions a region-specific strong regulatory framework for integrating noise pollution mitigation strategies into the public health action plans of developing nations.

Exploring the potential of waste plastic-modified asphalt: a systematic review of blending ratios, mixing conditions, and rheological properties.

In the present study, a systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted to collect, compile, and summarize the findings of previous studies in a meaningful and systematic way. This review focuses on the ideal blending ratios, mixing parameters, and the physical, thermal, and rheological performance of waste plastic-modified asphalt. It highlights the most significant research results about the challenges like phase separation, low-temperature performance, and workability for waste plastic-modified asphalt and progress in this domain. The results point out that the use of chemical and physical additives can help in the reduction of phase separation. Furthermore, this paper debates the aging characteristics and it was seen that the integration of waste plastic in asphalt has shown to slow down the aging process of the binder. The review article put forward details of various field projects across the globe utilizing waste plastic. The review concludes by presenting key findings, identifying research gaps, and suggesting future directions to advance the knowledge and to fully comprehend the possible application of waste plastic-modified bitumen in sustainable road construction.