Feasibility of Sustainable Asphalt Concrete Materials Utilizing Waste Plastic Aggregate, Epoxy Resin, and Magnesium-Based Additive

Abstract

This research addresses the urgent need for sustainable and durable asphalt mixtures by quantitatively investigating the effects of incorporating waste plastic aggregate (WPA) and magnesium-based additives. This study explores WPA content levels of 3%, 5%, and 7% wt of aggregate in combination with a fixed 3% wt epoxy resin content to the asphalt binder, supplemented with the 1.5% wt magnesium-based additive. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of various performance parameters, including deformation strength, indirect tensile strength (ITS), rut depth, and dynamic stability, to assess the impact of WPA, epoxy resin, and the magnesium-based additive on asphalt mixture properties. The results demonstrate significant improvements in key performance aspects with increasing WPA content. The WPA mixtures exhibit enhanced deformation strength, with values of 4.01, 3.7, and 3.32 MPa for 3, 5, and 7% wt WPA content, respectively, compared to the control mixture. Furthermore, the inclusion of WPA and epoxy resin, along with the magnesium-based additive, contributes to improved adhesion, cohesion, and resistance to stripping damage. Notably, the 7% wt WPA mixture showcases exceptional performance, characterized by a final rut depth of 2.66 mm and a dynamic stability of 7519 passes per millimeter, highlighting its superior rutting resistance and load-bearing capacity. This study also reveals the influence of WPA content on ITS and stiffness properties, with the 5% wt WPA mixture achieving an optimal balance between strength and stiffness. Overall, this research highlights the potential of incorporating WPA, epoxy resin, and magnesium-based additives in asphalt mixtures to enhance their performance and durability. By utilizing plastic waste materials and optimizing their combination with epoxy reinforcement, along with the innovative use of magnesium-based additive, the findings contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure materials and pave the way for further advancements in the field.