Material Modelling, Accelerated Testing and Field Trials for Concrete and Asphalt Incorporating Waste 2

OBJECTIVES

To develop clear, practical guidelines for using recycled plastic in asphalt roads

To trial and monitor recycled plastic asphalt mixes on roads across 10 Victorian councils

To collect and analyse field and lab data to improve road performance and increase recycled plastic use

Team

Filippo Giustozzi

Lead Researcher

Partners

Ausroads

10 Victorian Local Councils

Progress

SUMMARY

This project partners with 10 Victorian councils to trial recycled plastic asphalt on local roads, aiming to improve road performance and boost the reuse of waste plastic.

Road construction across all participating councils was completed between February and June 2024.
Field inspections in July 2024 assessed the early condition of the roads, including rutting, cracking, and surface smoothness, with data collected by NTRO and shared with RMIT for further study.

Laboratory testing on road samples is around 60% complete, with remaining tests paused until RMIT’s Bundoora lab reopens.

The results from these trials will help create practical national guidelines for councils, road builders, and recyclers.

OPPORTUNITIES

Access to research grants for sustainable infrastructure and recycling innovation

Real-world improvements to local roads, creating national guidelines for councils and industry

Strong partnerships between councils, researchers, road builders, and recycling businesses

AS SEEN AT

National Road and Traffic Expo 2024

Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) conference – Presentation

AS SEEN IN

Multiple media outlets, 2023 “New roads mixed with recycled plastics at 10 sites across Victoria will demonstrate a viable circular-economy solution to the nation, experts say”