Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical and rheological properties of bitumen modified with crumb rubber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The crumb rubber and PVC were added to bitumen at varying percentages and the resulting modified bitumen was tested for its viscosity, penetration, softening point, and elastic recovery. The results show that the addition of crumb rubber and PVC to bitumen improves its viscosity and elastic recovery properties, while reducing its penetration and softening point. The study also explores the optimal percentage of crumb rubber and PVC for modifying bitumen to achieve the desired mechanical and rheological properties. Overall, the study highlights the potential of using crumb rubber and PVC as sustainable additives for improving the performance of bitumen in road construction.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Bitumen is a viscous, black, and sticky material that is used as a binder in the construction of roads, pavements, and other asphalt-based structures. Bitumen is derived from crude oil and is typically mixed with various additives to improve its performance and durability. One approach to enhance the performance of bitumen is to modify it with rubber and plastic materials. Crumb rubber, which is produced from recycled tires, is a popular modifier for bitumen. When added to bitumen, crumb rubber can improve its properties such as elasticity, fatigue resistance, and temperature susceptibility. Similarly, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can also be used as a modifier to improve the viscosity and stability of bitumen. This study focuses on the effects of modifying bitumen with crumb rubber and PVC. The study aims to investigate the rheological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the modified bitumen and to determine the optimal dosage of crumb rubber and PVC for improving bitumen performance. The study also evaluates the potential environmental benefits of using recycled crumb rubber as a modifier for bitumen. The results of this study could provide valuable insights into the use of crumb rubber and PVC as modifiers for bitumen and could help to enhance the durability and sustainability of asphalt-based structures.

A. Purpose of study

1. The use of crumb rubber and PVC in bitumen modification can help reduce the amount of waste generated from these materials. This can be an environmentally friendly solution for waste disposal.
2. The use of crumb rubber and PVC in bitumen modification can also be cost-effective. Since these materials are often waste products, their use can be cheaper than other additives used in bitumen modification.
3. Studying the use of crumb rubber and PVC in bitumen modification can also lead to further innovations in the field of materials science and engineering. This can help advance the construction industry and lead to new and improved products and technologies.

B. Objective of Study

1. To introduce the concept of modifying bitumen with crumb rubber and PVC and explain the rationale behind this approach.
2. To describe the methods used in the study, including the preparation of the modified bitumen, the testing procedures used to evaluate its properties, and the analytical techniques used to characterize the modified bitumen.
3. To present the results of the study, including the impact of crumb rubber and PVC on the rheological properties, viscosity, adhesion, and aging resistance of the modified bitumen.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

A. General

The purpose of a literature review is to gain an understanding of the existing research and debates relevant to a particular topic or area of study, and to present that knowledge in the form of a written report. Conducting a literature review helps you build your knowledge in your field. We’ll learn about important concepts, research methods, and experimental techniques that are used in our field. We’ll also gain insight into how researchers apply the concepts we’re learning in your unit to real world problems. Another great benefit of literature reviews is that as we read, we’ll get a better understanding of how research findings are presented and discussed in our particular discipline.

B. Review of Literature

1. V. Suganpriya S. Omprakash V. Chandralega Study of Behaviour of Bitumen Modified with Crumb Rubber . (2016)     

The aim of the study was to utilize the waste materials i.e. crumb rubber waste for mass scale utilization such as in highway construction in an environmental safe manner.

As a first part of this study, an attempt was made to assess the stabilization of the bitumen containing crumb rubber waste in shredded form by performing basic tests such as Penetration Test, Ductility Test, Softening Point Test, Viscosity Test and Flash & Fire Point Tests. On the basis of the performance of the modified bitumen, the range of optimum percentages of crumb rubber waste were selected for further investigations related to Bituminous Concrete Mixes such as Semi Dense Bituminous Concrete (SDBC). Marshall Values, namely Marshall Stability Value, Marshall Flow Value, Voids present in air, Voids in Aggregates and Void in Bitumen, determined from Marshall Stability Test, serve as the benchmark values to assess the quality of Bituminous Concrete. The design and performance of Bituminous Concrete mainly depends upon the quality and percentage of binder used.

2. Bapusaheb Shivajirao Deore College of Engineering, Dhule, Maharashtra , Use of waste plastic and crumb rubber in construction of flexible pavement .

Generation of plastic waste and rubber waste is increasing day by day and the necessity to dispose of this waste in a proper way is arising. Nowadays pavements are subjected to various kinds of loading which affects the pavement performance condition that causes various distresses. Use of plastic and rubber in pavement design as an innovative technology not only strengthened the road construction but also increase the road life. In this study, different tests were conducted on aggregates, bitumen, and bituminous mixes. The effect of the addition of waste polyethylene in the form of locally available carry bags had been checked on aggregates as well as on bitumen. As per visual inspection, 5%, 7.5% and 10% plastic coating was made on aggregates and sample were checked for crushing, impact and abrasion values. Effect of addition of waste plastic and crumb rubber on bitumen had been studied by varying concentrations of polyethylene from 0% to 15% i.e. 0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15% in bitumen. Various tests such as penetration, ductility, softening point, flash and fire point, viscosity and loss on heating were performed on the samples. The optimum percentage was taken from these tests which had shown satisfactory results for all the tests performed. Later, that optimum percentage value was used for preparing bituminous mixes for testing pavement properties such as Marshall Stability, compressive strength, and indirect tensile strength.

3. Athira R Prasad, Dr Sowmya N J2 , Bitumen Modification with Waste Plastic and Crumb Rubber .

Worldwide, sustainability is an important need of the hour in the construction industry and towards this end use of waste material in road construction is being increasingly encouraged so as to reduce environmental impact. In the highway infrastructure, a large number of originate materials and technologies have been invented to determine their suitability for the design, construction and maintenance of the pavements. Plastics and rubbers are one of them. . The plastic waste quantity in municipal solid waste is increasing due to increase in population and changes in life style. . Similarly most tires, especially those fitted to motor vehicles, are manufactured from synthetic rubber. Disposal of both is a serious problem. At the same time, continuous increase in number of vehicles emphasizes on need of roads with better quality and engineering design. This waste plastic and rubber can be used to partially replace the conventional material to improve desired mechanical characteristics for particular road mix. . In the present study, a comparison is carried out between use of different waste plastics like carry bags, PET bottles crumb rubber and all three (3%,4.5%,6%,7.5%,9%by weight of bitumen) in bitumen concrete mixes to analyze which has better ability to modify bitumen so as to use it for road construction.

4. Arun Kumar , Parveen Berwal  Abdullah I. Al-Mansour Mohammad Amir Khan ,Shamshad Alam , Seongkwan Mark Lee Akash Malik and Amjad Iqbal . Impact of crumb rubber concentration and plastic coated aggregate on the rheological performance of modified bitumen asphalt .

The diminution of natural resource exploration, the retrieval of waste, and the structural modification of polymers by additives are the main contributions to sustainable development. The properties of bitumen are enhanced by the crumb rubber through effective bitumen modification techniques, which have environmental and economic advantages. In this study, plastic waste, plastic-coated aggregate (PCA), and bitumen were blended in order to enhance the engineering properties of the flexible pavement. In order to compute the composition of crumb rubber modified bitumen (CRMB), the adopted materials were subjected to the relevant experiments. PCA was a very effective material when compared to the standard bitumen road pavement. The recycling of waste crumb rubber and plastic was tested by adding them into the hot mix asphalt. The Marshall properties of standard (virgin) bituminous mix, CRMB grade 55, and plastic mix asphalt were studied in detail to explore the solutions for a sustainable environment. The comparison was performed between these two materials with the standard bitumen, which resulted in the CRMB and plastics being found as the most effective additions with robust properties such as low-cost material, high strength, long life usage, and un-harmful to nature. The optimal bitumen content was found to be 6.166%, 6.1%, and 5.833% for standard bitumen, crumb rubber modified bitumen, and plastic-coated aggregate, respectively.

5. Anusha G Krishna , Waste Plastic and Crumb Rubber in Flexible Pavement .

Use of waste plastic and natural crumb rubber in road is being increasingly encouraged to reduce environmental influence. The plastic waste measure in of solid waste is increasing due to increase in population and changes in life style. Similarly, tyres those fitted to motor vehicle, are manufactured from synthetic Stinker rubber. Disposal of both natural rubber and vehicle tyres is a serious problem. At the same time, constant increase in the number of vehicles accentuates on need of road with better caliber and production design. Hence, waste plastic and crumb rubber can be used to partially replace the conventional material along with bitumen to improve desired mechanical characteristics for particular road mix. In the present study, a comparison is carried out between use of waste plastic like LDPE and Rubber (1, 1.5,2,2.5%by weight of bitumen) in bitumen concrete mixture to analyze which has better power to modify bitumen to use it for road construction, giving the same strength.

6. Imran M. Khan, Shahid Kabir, Majed A. Alhussain, Feras F. Almansoor. Asphalt Design Using Recycled Plastic and Crumb-rubber Waste for Sustainable Pavement Construction.

The seasonal change in temperature and loading nature has a significant effect on asphalt behavior because of its viscoelastic nature. Several types of flexible pavement failure/distress occur due to this behavior of asphalt binder, among which rutting and fatigue cracks are very common. In this study, Low Density and High Density Polyethylene and Crumb rubber were used as additions to base bitumen (PG 64-10). Complex modulus (G*) and phase angle (δ) obtained from Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) are the basic perimeters used to evaluate the behavior of the binder in respect to rutting and fatigue cracking. It was concluded that Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Crumb Rubber (CR) modified binder showed significant improvement in rheological properties of the binder. Furthermore, recycling these municipal wastes will contribute to solving environmental problems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia caused by the piling up of these wastes in dumpsites.

III.METHODOLOGY

A. Introduction

Methodology is the study of research methods. However, the term can also refer to the methods themselves or to the philosophical discussion of associated background assumptions. A method is a structured procedure for bringing about a certain goal. In the context of research, this goal is usually to discover new knowledge or to verify pre-existing knowledge claims. This normally involves various steps, like choosing a sample, collecting data from this sample, and interpreting this data. The study of methods involves a detailed description and analysis of these processes. It includes evaluative aspects by comparing different methods to assess their advantages and disadvantages relative to different research goals and situations.

1. Material Used

a. Plastic: Good insulation and low thermal conductivity , good impact resistance and they don’t rust , good bear resistance .

b. Bitumen: Adhesive , resistance to water , viscosity and flow , durability, ductility.

c. Aggregate: Aggregate shows property of Hardness , durability , toughness .

B. Experiment to be performed are as follows

1. Penetration Test: The penetration test is carried out to know the hardness   or softness of bitumen used in road construction by measuring the distance in tenths of a millimeter to which a standard needle will penetrate vertically into a sample of bitumen under the stipulated condition of temperature, time and loading.
2. Flash and Fire Test: Flash point of bitumen is the temperature at which, it’s vapour will ignite temporarily during heating, when a small flame is brought into contact with the vapour. The knowledge of this point is of interest mainly to the user, since the bitumen must not be heated to this point. The flash point tells the critical temperature at and above which suitable precautions are required to be taken to eliminate the danger of fire during heating.
3. Softening Point: The softening point is the temperature at which the substance attains a particular degree of softening under the specified condition of test. The softening point of bitumen is usually determined by the Ring and Ball test .
4. Crushing Value Test: The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. With aggregate of aggregate crushing value 30 or higher, the result may be anomalous, and in such cases the ten percent fines value should be determined instead.
5. Los Angeles Test: The Los Angeles (L.A.) Abrasion Test is widely used as an indicator of the relative quality of aggregates. It measures the degradation of standard gradings of aggregates when subjected to abrasion and impact in a rotating steel drum with an abrasive charge of steel balls.
6. Impact Test: The Aggregates Impact Value (AIV) Apparatus is used to determine the aggregate impact value which provides a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to sudden shock or impact. The counter fitted to the machine automatically records the number of blows delivered to the sample.
7. Flakiness and Elongation Test: The Flakiness Index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least dimension (thickness) is less than 0.6 times their mean dimension. The Elongation Index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than 1.8 times their mean dimension.
8. Marshall Stability Test: The basic Marshall test consists essentially of crushing a cylinder of bituminous material between two semi-circular test heads and recording the maximum load achieved (i.e. the stability) and the deflection at which the maximum load occurs (i.e. the flow).

This can be easily understood by the following flow chart

IV. METHODOLOGY

A. Introduction

Methodology is the study of research methods. However, the term can also refer to the methods themselves or to the philosophical discussion of associated background assumptions. A method is a structured procedure for bringing about a certain goal. In the context of research, this goal is usually to discover new knowledge or to verify pre-existing knowledge claims. This normally involves various steps, like choosing a sample, collecting data from this sample, and interpreting this data. The study of methods involves a detailed description and analysis of these processes. It includes evaluative aspects by comparing different methods to assess their advantages and disadvantages relative to different research goals and situations.

1) Material Used

1. Plastic: Good insulation and low thermal conductivity , good impact resistance and they don’t rust , good bear resistance .
2. Bitumen: Adhesive , resistance to water , viscosity and flow , durability, ductility.
3. Aggregate: Aggregate shows property of Hardness , durability , toughness .

A. Penetration value of bitumen (IS 73: 2013)

Bitumen is the residue or by-product obtained by the refining of crude petroleum. A wide variety of refining techniques like straight distillation technique, solvent extraction technique etc are used to produce bitumen of different consistency and other desirable properties. Depending on the origin and other characteristics of the crude oils and property of bitumen required, more than one processing method may be employed. The type of construction decides the type of bitumen needs to be used. But in general good bitumen should have following properties. Temperature susceptibility of bitumen: the bitumen mix should not become too soft or unstable during hot weather, and not become too brittle during cold weather. Viscosity of the bitumen: at the time of mixing and compaction should be adequate. This can be managed by the use of cutbacks or emulsions of suitable grades or heating the bitumen and aggregates prior to mixing. Affinity and adhesion of bitumen: There should be adequate affinity and adhesion between the bitumen and aggregates used in the mix. Penetration is a measure of consistency. It quantifies the hardness or softness of bitumen by measuring the depth in tenths of a millimeter to which a standard loaded needle will penetrate vertically in 5 seconds under specified temperature, load and duration of loading.

1. Observation

a. Pouring temperature, 150°C

b. Period of cooling in atmosphere, 90 -120 minutes

c. Room temperature, 31°C

d. Period of cooling in water bath, 90-120minutes

e. Actual test temperature, 25°C

B. Ductility Value of Bitumen (IS:1208 -1978)

Ductility is one such property of bitumen which is dependent on the purpose of construction. Ductility is the property that permits the material to undergo great deformation or elongation. Indirectly, ductility measures the adhesive property of bitumen and its ability to stretch. It is necessary that binder should form a thin ductile film around aggregates to improve the interlocking of the aggregates in flexible pavements. It is important in pavement to resist crack due to temperature or traffic stresses to avoid damage the pavement structure. Specifically, the ductility of a bituminous material is defined as the distance in centimeters, to which it will elongate before breaking when two ends of a briquette specimen of the material are pulled apart at a specified speed and a specified temperature. A temperature of 25 ± 0.5 °C and pulling speed of 5 cm/min ± 5.0 % is to be maintained while carrying out the experiment. The ductility of a bitumen specimen mainly gives information about the tensile strength and ductility grade of bitumen.

C.  Flash and Fire Point of Bitumen (IS: 1209 – 1978)

Flash and Fire point test is conducted on bitumen to know the safe mixing and application temperature values of particular bitumen grade. At higher temperatures bituminous materials leave out volatiles. These volatile vapors contains hydro carbons. So, they can catch the fire easily and will cause flash at one point and if it is further prone to heat the material may ignite and burn.. Catching fire is very dangerous during mixing of bitumen especially during its application. So, it is necessary to recognize the safe temperature values of bitumen grades for mixing as well as for applying. The limited values of temperature can be determined by conducting Flash point and Fire point test on bitumen. The Flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which vapor of substance quickly catches fire in the form of flash under definite conditions of the test. So, at this point fire will not last longer, just a flash will appear for a fraction of second. The existence of highly volatile and inflammable materials in a particular grade of bitumen can be indicated by the Flash point. The fire point of a material is the lowest temperature at which material catches fire and burns under definite conditions of test. The presence of combustible materials in a bituminous material can be indicated by the Fire point.

Conclusion

Based on the present study following conclusion are drawn 1) As per IS CODE 1203-1978 , viscosity grade of ordinary bitumen is VG 30 and by adding 2.5% of crumb rubber and PVC the Grade of Bitumen changes from VG 30 to VG 40. As VG 40 is best suited for HOT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS, it is the preferred percentage. 2) As per IS Code 1208-1978, The ductility value of bitumen usually varies from 5 to over 100 cm’s. As we can see at 7.5%, the ductility value is less than 5 cm. Therefore, we can say that , we can add specific percentage of bitumen and crumb rubber. That is less than or equal to 5% . 3) Bitumen modified with crumb rubber and PVC offers potential benefits in terms of improved mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability. 4) Crumb rubber enhances elasticity, viscosity, and resistance to aging and deformation in bitumen. 5) PVC improves stability at high temperatures and reduces temperature susceptibility of bitumen. 6) Modified bitumen shows promise in road construction, pavement rehabilitation, and waterproofing applications. 7) Potential benefits include increased service life, reduced maintenance, enhanced skid resistance, and reduced environmental impact through recycling.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Dhruv Shakya, Krishna Dwivedi, Lakshay Mishra, Sourabh Sharma, Pulkit Shokeen, Mr. Aashish Malik . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.