Structural Performance of Cement-treated Base Layer by Incorporating Reclaimed Asphalt Material and Plastic Waste

Abstract

The reuse of reclaimed asphalt material (RAM) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste is a reliable approach to limit the use of virgin aggregates for road construction and mitigate environmental challenges. This study highlights the structural performance of the cementitious base or cement-treated base (CTB) layer by incorporating reclaimed asphalt and plastic waste material. Structural compatibility of CTB layer with different proportions of RAM (20%, 45%, 70% and 95%), virgin aggregates and plastic waste (5%) is recognized by the moisture-density relationship, unconfined compressive, indirect tensile strength, flexural strength and California bearing ratio tests. In the current study, a ranking methodology is used to analyze the overall suitability of the cementitious base mix proportions using different laboratory test parameters. Furthermore, a finite element analysis using the ANSYS software is performed to investigate the effect of CTB layer on the pavement structural responses. Also, using the central public works department guidelines, a cost comparative study is provided. Experimental results showed that all the cementitious base mixes met the requirements for the unconfined compressive strength, except for the 95% and 70% RAM mixes. Therefore, 20%-45% of RAM can partially be used in the CTB layer to replace virgin aggregates partially. The finite element analysis results showed that CTB reduced fatigue strain by 57% and surface deformation by 47%. Moreover, it has been concluded that by utilizing a cementitious base with RAM, there is a 30% cost reduction. KEYWORDS: Reclaimed asphalt material, Cement-treated base, Polyethylene terephthalate, Finite element analysis, Unconfined compressive strength.