In a groundbreaking collaboration with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a cutting-edge solution to repair and enhance America’s deteriorating road system. By utilizing recyclables, including plastic waste, the University of Missouri researchers are introducing a sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt pavement.
The Mizzou Asphalt Pavement and Innovation Lab (MAPIL) teamed up with MoDOT to construct a real-world test road using recycled materials such as scrap tires and plastic waste along a section of Interstate 155 in the Missouri Bootheel. This innovative approach aims to increase the sustainability of asphalt mixes, thereby reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or harms the environment.
MAPIL’s director, Bill Buttlar, emphasized the practicality and scalability of their approach. He stated that while the science behind their methods may be complex, the execution in the field is simple. This adaptability makes it cost-effective and feasible to incorporate into various road environments.
The current project on Interstate 155 builds upon the success of MAPIL’s previous test road on Stadium Boulevard in Columbia, Missouri. While the previous project explored the effectiveness of four different types of recycled materials, the I-155 project will evaluate the real-world performance of nine different types, including various forms of polyethylene found in plastic bags and ground tire rubber.
Buttlar underscored the significance of these projects in terms of environmental impact and long-term value. Rather than treating these materials as mere landfill fillers, the aim is to construct roads that benefit the environment, stretch transportation infrastructure budgets, and contribute to sustainable practices.
The University of Missouri researchers are pioneering this innovative work in the United States. By addressing crucial research questions related to durability and safety, MAPIL is bridging the gap between the laboratory and real-world application. Buttlar emphasized the need to observe how different materials used in road construction interact and perform under different conditions, including exposure to weather and heavy traffic.
MAPIL specializes in a dry process that allows recyclables to be seamlessly integrated into the asphalt mixture before application. According to Punya Rath, an assistant research professor at MAPIL, extensive small-scale testing was conducted to assess the flow, behavior, and mixing properties of the plastics. The researchers then moved on to larger-scale field projects, using a mobile research lab to test the mixtures on-site for the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations is a priority for the research team. Buttlar emphasized that the materials are designed to capture and contain environmental by-products to the fullest extent within the established limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While degradation over time is inevitable in a natural environment, the team ensures their methods meet all safety standards.
By pushing the boundaries of sustainable road construction, the University of Missouri researchers are driving innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the use of plastic waste in roads. Their approach showcases the power of collaboration between academia and the transportation industry in fostering environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions for future road infrastructure.
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