Tireless in their efforts towards a sustainable planet, Shoolini researchers have evolved a groundbreaking method to improve road construction practices. They have devised a way to prepare bituminous concrete mixes using fly ash and waste polyethylene. Another plus, this will also effectively address waste management challenges.
In a nutshell, explained Shoolini faculty member Dr MS Thakur, “It is a three-fold achievement. By replacing 2-6 per cent of the concrete mixture with plastic, we have reduced the cost by 10 per cent, increasing the strength of the mix and decreasing the quantity of the existing plastic waste simultaneously.”
The idea evolved from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding the utilisation of waste and its management and Shoolini’s focus and conscious efforts towards sustainability.
What’s more, the government has already granted a patent to the team of researchers, including Noorullah Yusufi, Er Vikas Mehta, Dr MS Thakur, and Priyanka Panchal, for the new method.
The patented method has far-reaching implications for the construction industry and the environment. Not only does it provide a sustainable use for waste materials, but it also reduces the overall environmental footprint of road construction projects. By diverting fly ash and waste polyethylene from landfills, Shoolini University’s invention promotes a circular economy and contributes to waste management efforts.
Traditional methods of producing bituminous concrete mixes relied heavily on natural resources, such as stone aggregates and bitumen. However, the extraction and processing of these materials come with significant environmental concerns and consequences. Additionally, the disposal of waste polyethylene and fly ash, byproducts of various industries, poses a serious challenge. Recognising the need for a sustainable solution, the inventors at Shoolini University embarked on a mission to revolutionise the road construction industry.
The method involves fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, as a partial replacement for stone aggregates in bituminous concrete mixes. This method not only reduces the demand for raw materials but also diverts fly ash from landfills, mitigating its environmental impact. Moreover, the inventors discovered that incorporating waste polyethylene, commonly found in plastic bags and packaging, enhances the performance and durability of the bitumen.
By modifying the bitumen with waste polyethylene, the inventors improved its elasticity and resistance. This leads to enhanced mechanical properties of the bituminous concrete mixes, giving longer-lasting roads. The use of fly ash and waste polyethylene also contributes to cost-effectiveness, as it reduces dependence on expensive stone aggregates and bitumen, making road construction more affordable, especially in regions where these resources are scarce.
Congratulating the team, Shoolini University Chancellor and Founder Professor PK Khosla said the invention was a testament to Shoolini University’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. “We are proud to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly solutions that enhance the performance of our infrastructure,” he added.
Bhavna Sharma
