Experimental Investigation of the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Plastic-Stabilized Pavement Materials
Ahmed Rufai Ohida Suleiman
Department of Civil Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Assia Aboubakar Mahamat *
Department of Civil Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. and Department of Building, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Travaux Publics (ENSTP), N’Djamena, Chad.
Ado Mohammed
Department of Civil Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Musa Zackariyawu Omeiza
Department of Civil Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Soughul Blessing Iveren
Department of Civil Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Adetimehin Ademola Edward
Department of Civil Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research evaluates the physico-mechanical properties of asphalt pavements modified with non-biodegradable bottled water plastic waste to improve performance and promote sustainability. Key tests included Los Angeles Abrasion (LAA) and Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) on aggregates, softening point and penetration on bitumen, Marshall mix design for optimum bitumen content (OBC), and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) for tensile performance. The OBC was determined as 6 wt%. Fifteen samples were then prepared with melted plastic at 10-50 wt% of OBC.
Results indicated that 20 wt% plastic yielded optimal outcomes: stability increased slightly to 5.25 kN from 4.98 kN (control), with acceptable flow (2-4 mm), voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), and ITS (0.1579 MPa vs. 0.1358 MPa control). LAA (42%) and AIV (27.7%) confirmed aggregate suitability.
Compared to prior studies (e.g., on plastic-modified asphalt showing rutting resistance), this work demonstrates superior stability and waste valorization in Nigeria's context, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative that reduces plastic pollution while enhancing pavement durability for resource-efficient road infrastructure.
Keywords: Plastic waste, asphalt pavement, sustainable modifier, marshall stability, indirect tensile strength (ITS), los angeles abrasion (LAA)