IHE comments on using plastics in asphalt report
- Thursday November 28, 2019
Austroads Ltd have published a report on 24th October 2019 called the ‘Viability of Using Recycled Plastics in Asphalt and Sprayed Sealing Applications’.
This technical report examines the viability of using recycled plastics in asphalt and sprayed seals by Australian and New Zealand road authorities.
IHE CEO Richard Hayes commented on the report:
“It was found that waste plastic can act as a partial aggregate replacement in bituminous mixes, and a binder extender without having any significant influence on the properties of the asphalt mix. However, not all recycled plastics are suitable for bitumen modification at high temperatures. For example, heating Poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) at high temperatures can result in dangerous chloride emissions and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has a high potential for its own reuse. It is important to note that most of the laboratory testing was not performed in accordance with Australian bitumen standards and specification.
“Whilst there may be environmental benefits associated with the use of recycled plastic, there are concerns regarding the potential health and safety hazards that road workers might be exposed to while handling these materials, sustainability impacts, and impacts on the surrounding environment. One of the recommendations in the report is the need for the development of a governance framework on the use of plastics in road construction.”
To view the full report visit: https://austroads.com.au/publications/pavement/ap-t351-19