The utilization of recycled plastics in the transportation infrastructure systems: A comprehensive review

While plastic has been recognized as one of the top ten notable advancements of the 20th century, extensive utilization of plastic in its various forms has evolved into a complex concern with respect to environmental protection. The large amount of waste plastic and its low biodegradability is driving the research effort seeking alternatives to recycling plastic waste into construction materials, and recycled plastic utilization as a valuable alternative to soil, asphalt, and concrete appears to be one of the more promising solutions for beneficial use of plastic waste. Recent progress on recycled plastic utilization in transportation infrastructure systems, including content, size, shape, mechanism, effectiveness, and its applicability to soil, asphalt, and concrete, is outlined in this review paper. The effects of recycled plastic addition on the mechanical properties of soil, asphalt, and concrete are also discussed in detail. The potential for environmental disturbance and possible implementation difficulties in understanding the progress of recycled plastics utilization has also been investigated.