A Feasibility Study of Using Electronic Waste as Bitumen Modifier for Sustainable Road Construction and Maintenance

• Oluyemi-Ayibiowu B. D

  Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

• Bello, O

  Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

• Falola, K. E

  Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

The generation of electronic waste is increasing annually due to the demand for newer electronic products, creating an urgent need for effective management strategies. This research explored the reuse of electronic waste as a modifier for bitumen. Waste electronic circuit boards were crushed into powder, and plastics were sized to 10 mm. The powder partially replaced bitumen, while the plastics partially replaced coarse aggregates in a bituminous mix, with replacement percentages between 10% and 20%. Penetration, ductility, flash point, fire point and softening point test was conducted on the electronic waste modified bitumen while the Marshall stability, flow and Quotient test were performed on the electronic waste plastics modified bituminous mix both with pure and modified bitumen binder at varied quantities. The result showed that a 16% replacement of electronic waste powder significantly improved bitumen properties. For the plastics-modified bituminous mix, enhancements were noted with stability at 40.66 kN, flow at 4.12 mm, and quotient at 10.37 kN/mm, using 12% waste printed circuit board plastic. Additionally, the modified binder required only 4.5% bitumen, compared to 6% for the natural binder, making the modified mix more cost-effective and suitable for light and medium traffic road construction.

1. Oluyemi-Ayibiowu B. D, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

2. Bello, O, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

3. Falola, K. E, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

    

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