Sustainable Utilization of Crumb Rubber in Bituminous Pavements: A Review

The increasing accumulation of waste rubber poses a significant environmental challenge. Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB) presents a sustainable solution by incorporating waste rubber into bituminous mixtures for flexible pavement construction. This review evaluates the effects of crumb rubber on bitumen properties, including penetration, softening point, ductility, and Marshall stability. Studies suggest that adding 10% to 15% crumb rubber improves road performance, enhances durability, and reduces issues like rutting and cracking. Additionally, CRMB demonstrates increased stiffness and better resistance to deformation in high-temperature regions. The economic and environmental benefits of using crumb rubber in road construction are highlighted, including reduced waste accumulation and conservation of natural resources. By integrating rubber waste into bitumen, the construction industry can contribute to circular economic practices while extending the lifespan of road pavements. This review concludes that CRMB is a viable alternative to conventional bitumen, particularly for regions with heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions.