The effect of waste low-density polyethylene on the mechanical properties of thin asphalt overlay

In recent years, there has been a huge demand for innovative methods to upcycle waste materials. This study aims to explore and evaluate the effect of using waste low-density polyethylene (w-LDPE), collected from waste plastic bags for domestic purposes, on the mechanical properties of dense Thin Asphalt Overlay (TAO). Waste materials have been deemed appropriate in the development of asphalt pavement mixtures, due to the expected enhancement in mixture properties further to the reduction in cost and saving natural resources. Three dosages of w-LDPE were incorporated with asphalt binder: 2%, 4%, and 6%. Marshall stability and flow test, indirect tensile strength, creep compliance, skid resistance, wheel track, Cantabro abrasion loss and tensile strength ratio tests were carried out on both control and modified asphalt mixes to achieve the aim of the study. The results show a substantial enhancement in the performance of TAO modified with w-LDPE when compared to the control mix. The pre-eminent improvement was obtained in the creep compliance test, in which the creep compliance value decreased by 83% compared to the control mixture when using 6% of w-LDPE. This study indicated that using waste material is an effective method of asphalt modification that also contributes to promoting environmental sustainability.