Effect of polyethylene on life of flexible pavements

The present study investigates the potential use of pyrolysis low density polyethylene (LDPE) as a modifier for asphalt paving materials. Five different blends including conventional mix were subjected to binder testing such as rheological tests, as well as to some other tests related to the homogeneity of the system. Further, its effect on the moisture sensitivity and low temperature performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures was studied. Research results indicate that modified binders showed higher softening point, keeping the values of ductility at minimum range of specification of (100+ cm), and caused a reduction in percentage loss of weight due to heat and air (i.e. increase durability of original asphalt). The results indicated that the inclusion of LDPE in SMA mixtures can satisfy the performance requirement of high-temperature, low temperature and much rain zone. In addition, the horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt concrete layer (Εt) and the vertical compressive strain at the top of subgrade layer (Εc) were calculated using multi-layer elastic analysis program, BISAR under 50KN set of dual tires with 106.5 mm contact radius. These responses were used for estimating the improvement in service life of the pavement or reduction in thickness of SMA and base layer for the same service life due to modification the SMA mixtures.