Durability and Aging Characteristics of Sustainable Paving Mixture

With the industrial revolution, many inventions have been introduced with many solid waste materials in returns. This study investigates the potential recycling of waste plastic sheets, made from low-density polyethylene, as asphalt modifier in the paving mixture. The shredded plastic sheet was used in the asphalt mixture via the wet process. The dosage rate was set up to 9 % by weight of asphalt binder (0, 3, 6, and 9)%. The experimental program was designed to assess the mechanical properties (Marshall stability and flow, and volumetric properties), durability, and short-term aging of asphalt mixtures, in addition to economical assessment. The test results revealed the applicability of using this solid waste material in paving construction as a surface layer, since its usage enhances the pavement performance by increasing stability, index of retained strength, and volumetric characteristics before and after aging as well as saving in cost. The best enhancement can be achieved with 6% of recycled low-density polyethylene.