Properties of asphalt binder and asphalt concrete containing waste polyethylene

In this study, the effects of addition of waste polyethylene on asphalt binder and asphalt concrete mixture properties were studied. Four asphalt concrete mixtures (each mixture containing different percentages of shredded polyethylene material) were prepared and tested as per Indian specifications. Shredded polyethylene and hot asphalt binder were added to heated aggregate (in same sequence) until all aggregates were coated. The loose mixtures were compacted and tested for its mechanical and volumetric properties. Furthermore, compacted specimens were aged for short- and long-term conditions. The extracted binder from the aged and control mixtures was tested for its rheological properties using a dynamic shear rheometer. Mixtures containing shredded polyethylene showed improvement with respect to the Marshall strength, flow, and volumetric properties. The properties of recovered asphalt binder indicated that the addition of polyethylene improved complex modulus values and decreased phase angle values over range of frequencies.