Performance Evaluation of Modified Bitumen Using EPS-Beads for Green and Sustainable Development of Polymer Based Asphalt Mixtures

The increasing cost of virgin content, decreasing resources and growing plastic waste has shifted the research momentum towards green and sustainable road pavements. Hence, in recent years, various researcher has worked out on utilization of different types of plastic wastes in asphalt concrete by replacing it with binder content. Under this premise, this study examines the effect of Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) as a replacement to binder at seven different dosages ranging from 5% to 50%. The bitumen of 60/70 grade was utilized in this study. The fresh properties of polymer modified bitumen were checked and compared with that of conventional specimens. The mechanical properties of all specimens were investigated in terms of Marshall Stability properties. Furthermore, statistical analysis has been done for performance analysis of asphalt concrete. The results indicated that addition of PEB increases the strength of modified asphalt concrete. Furthermore, addition of EPS by substituting bitumen content could be promising way to reduce the environmental impact of bitumen and will also help in economic infrastructure development.