Multi-Criteria Optimization of Plastic Waste-Modified Bituminous Mixes for Sustainable Road Construction using the Best-Worst Method

IJEP 46(10): 986-994 : Vol. 46 Issue 10 (October 2026)

Full Text

Ankur Goswami* and Girija T.R.

Assam Don Bosco University, Department of Civil Engineering, Azara Campus, Guwahati – 781 017, Assam, India

Abstract

The rapid accumulation of plastic waste poses a critical environmental challenge, contributing to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and long-term ecological hazards. Sustainable reuse of this waste in infrastructure can mitigate environmental impacts while enhancing material performance. This study presents a multi-criteria decision-making framework to evaluate plastic waste-modified bituminous mixes for climate-conscious road construction. Six categories of post-consumer plastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) were incorporated into paving-grade bitumen at three dosage levels (5%, 7.5% and 10% by weight). Mixes were assessed for ductility, penetration, softening point, Marshall stability and Marshall flow, reflecting durability and service performance. The best-worst method was applied to prioritize these criteria, identifying Marshall stability as the most influential and penetration as the least. Weighted scores guided the ranking of 18 mix designs, with high-stability and high-softening blends emerging as optimal. Results show that incorporating plastic waste not only diverts significant volumes from landfills and open burning but also supports sustainable infrastructure aligned with global climate change mitigation. The methodology offers a flexible framework adaptable to other waste materials, advancing strategies for environmental protection and sustainable development.

Keywords

Plastic waste management, Sustainable road construction, Climate change mitigation, Bituminous mixes, Best worst method, Pavement materials sustainability

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