RESUMO
Eco-friendly waste utilization helps in the development of sustainable infrastructures. Recently, researchers have focused on the production of road infrastructures using the circular economy concept of human safety. The objective of this study is to investigate and explore the utilization of optimum polymer waste content for the development of polymer-modified asphalt mixtures using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize experimental design and included three factors: X1, polymer type; X2, polymer contents; and X3, testing day. The optimized responses determined by the RSM were as follows: MS of 42.98 kN, MF of 5.08 mm, and MQ of 8.66 kN/mm, indicating a favorable and consistent precision in comparison with experimental values. Moreover, the Marshall characteristics of samples prepared with PE were quite improved compared to PET. In conclusion, the incorporation of such polymer wastes in road construction is a sustainable and cost-effective way of improving their engineering properties. This study will help in the development of sustainable road infrastructures supporting human safety and environmentally friendly practices.
RESUMO
Road safety has become a serious issue in both developed and developing countries, costing billions of dollars every year. Road accidents at nighttime especially in low illumination situations are common and severe and have gained a lot of attention. To improve visibility and avoid traffic accidents, a series of efforts have been made but the existing mechanism is facing continuous challenges and highlighting a need for smart highways with high efficiency, road safety, and strength. In this study, the use of radium polymer beads (RPB) is proposed to avoid road accidents. The effect of RPB was investigated by comparing the results of the beads' surface and modified asphalt mixtures using the three-stage testing methodology. Utilizing the circular economy, RPB have been introduced as a solution to the problem. Results indicated that in the first phase, the addition of RPB on the mixture surface improved the mechanical performance of the road pavement and helped in avoiding road accidents due to their ability to absorb the light from the source and then reflect in the night. Moreover, the mechanical properties using Marshall stability standard parameters (stability 9 kN and flow 2-4 mm range) were fulfilled as a standard testing requirement. The proposed radium bead layer can reduce road accidents and provide a direction towards future smart highways by using new reflective materials in road construction.
RESUMO
Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a unique kind of concrete that tends to consolidate in terms of its weight. In this study, the prime target is to investigate the durability properties of SCC developed using eco-friendly economical waste binding materials as partial replacement to costly cement. This circular economy concept will not only help in the development of green concrete but will also help to improve the climatic condition by reducing the use and production of cement. An economical design methodology has been applied to produce environmentally friendly construction material. This research focuses on the application of Alum Sludge (AS) and Brick Dust (BD) in Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). Both materials are waste materials containing binding properties. Performance of SCC developed using these two materials was tested considering mechanical properties of concrete using the destructive testing technique. Results showed that BD and AS can be utilized for up to 12% and 9% of replacement of cement, respectively, to achieve equal or higher compressive, tensile, and flexural strength. The application of BD and AS has demonstrated a subsequent improvement of SCC's mechanical properties, i.e., compressive, tensile, and flexural strength. This study will help the production of composite green materials with the help of eco-friendly and economical waste materials for sustainable infrastructure development.
RESUMO
Polymer composites have been identified as the most innovative and selective materials known in the 21st century. Presently, polymer concrete composites (PCC) made from industrial or agricultural waste are becoming more popular as the demand for high-strength concrete for various applications is increasing. Polymer concrete composites not only provide high strength properties but also provide specific characteristics, such as high durability, decreased drying shrinkage, reduced permeability, and chemical or heat resistance. This paper provides a detailed review of the utilization of polymer composites in the construction industry based on the circular economy model. This paper provides an updated and detailed report on the effects of polymer composites in concrete as supplementary cementitious materials and a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on their utilization and the production of polymer composites. A detailed review of a variety of polymers, their qualities, performance, and classification, and various polymer composite production methods is given to select the best polymer composite materials for specific applications. PCCs have become a promising alternative for the reuse of waste materials due to their exceptional performance. Based on the findings of the studies evaluated, it can be concluded that more research is needed to provide a foundation for a regulatory structure for the acceptance of polymer composites.
RESUMO
Numerous environmental issues arise as a result of a linear economy strategy: reserves become scarce and end up in landfills and as greenhouse gases. Utilizing waste as a resource or shifting towards a circular economy are among the effective strategies for addressing these issues. To track this shift, appropriate measures that concentrate on sustainable development while taking practical contexts into consideration are required. In this paper, we utilize plastic wastes as a replacement for bitumen for reuse aiming at a circular economy. The use of plastic waste materials, i.e., plastic bottles (PET) and gas pipes (PE) in asphalt materials as a bitumen modifier was studied through series of experimental lab test methods. Marshall samples were prepared using a conventional Marshall method containing five different percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of plastic content by total weight of bitumen. Samples were tested after 1 and 30 days and the result shows that the stability of plastic-modified asphalt concrete was increased after 30 days, while still meeting standard criteria with plastic contents up to 20%. Moreover, the addition of waste plastic in road construction is a very effective strategy for reusing plastic waste, which also provides economic and social benefits for a sustainable approach to road pavements.