“Adoption of innovative technologies vital for nation’s development”
Staff Reporter
Engineering college Dean demonstrates use of plastic waste in laying roads
PHOTO : G. KARTHIKEYAN
For a greener world: R. Vasudevan, left, Dean, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, at P.S.N.A. College of Engineering and Technology in Dindigul on Saturday. —
DINDIGUL: Participation of engineers in innovation and technology development is a must for overall development of the nation, R. Vasudevan, Dean, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, has said.
Demonstrating the use of waste plastics in laying roads at PSNA College of Engineering and Technology near here on Saturday, he said that a lot of innovation was required in civil engineering.
“Using plastic waste for laying roads is very useful for its safe disposal. The demand and the use of plastics will touch 12 billion tonnes in 2010 (40 million tonnes at present). “Plastic is not dangerous but the unsafe methods used for its disposal are hazardous to environment,” he said. Waste plastics such as use-and-throw cups, carry bags, etc., and thermocol are heated to 160 degree C and mixed with gravel. Tar would later be added to it and used for laying roads. The quality and strength of such roads increases manifold. There are very less chances for the formation of potholes, Mr. Vasudevan said. One tonne of plastic waste or one lakh carry bags would be needed to lay a one-km-long road. “Higher educational institutions should lay emphasis on collecting plastic waste properly. Even the waste from colleges can be used to lay roads on its campus. Students should be mobilised to collect waste from their houses,” he added.
“Anything useful to society should be identified and utilised. Students should change their attitude and motivate themselves to achieve bigger things ,” Mr. Vasudevan said.
A road connecting the college and hostel was laid using plastic waste. Revenue Divisional Officer A. Pechiammal, directors R.S.K. Raguraman and R.S.K. Laksshmana Prabhu were present.
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