Recycled Materials in Geotechnical and Pavement Applications

The use of recycled materials in pavement and geotechnical engineering is discussed in this book, with a focus on Australia's struggle with waste plastic recycling. China's ban on waste plastic importation has led to stockpiling and a crisis in the recycling industry, prompting local councils to find strategic ways to recycle accumulated waste. The addition of recycled plastic to asphalt mixtures improves performance properties while reducing costs. Similarly, recycled materials can be used in geotechnical infrastructure.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 106 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the fascinating realm of utilizing recycled materials in pavement and geotechnical engineering, offering a comprehensive exploration of this emerging field. In recent times, Australia has grappled with the pressing issue of recycling waste plastic, a problem that has gained global attention. On January 1, 2018, China took a significant step forward by implementing a comprehensive ban on the importation of waste plastic, a move that was swiftly followed by other countries such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This ban has had far-reaching consequences, forcing many corporations to abandon waste collection agreements and resulting in the accumulation of waste due to the lack of safe disposal options. Consequently, Australia's recycling industry has found itself in a state of crisis, prompting local councils to devise strategic solutions to address the growing problem of accumulated waste.

Apart from the pursuit of economic growth, Australia's road pavement has experienced a rapid decline due to the inability of the current pavement to meet the urgent traffic load demand. The addition of polymers to asphalt mixtures has been shown to improve their stiffness, rutting resistance, and fatigue cracking properties. However, the use of virgin polymer can be costly, making the use of waste polymer, such as waste plastic polymer, an attractive and cost-effective alternative. Numerous countries around the world, including the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, and India, have successfully demonstrated the potential of recycled plastic to enhance the performance properties of asphalt mixtures.

Furthermore, the application of recycled materials extends beyond pavement engineering. This book explores the use of recycled materials in geotechnical infrastructure, offering innovative solutions for sustainable construction and environmental preservation. By recycling materials such as concrete, bricks, and steel, geotechnical engineers can reduce waste disposal costs, minimize the environmental impact of construction projects, and promote the reuse and recycling of construction materials.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable insight into the application of recycled materials in pavement and geotechnical engineering. It highlights the challenges faced by Australia in recycling waste plastic and the global efforts to address this issue. It also showcases the potential benefits of using recycled materials in improving the performance properties of asphalt mixtures and promoting sustainable construction practices. As the demand for sustainable infrastructure grows, the use of recycled materials will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of our built environment.

Weight: 197g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030942366
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022