The present study investigates the benefits of
stabilizing the stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixture in
flexible pavement with shredded waste plastic.
Conventional (without plastic) and the stabilized SMA
mixtures were subjected to performance tests including
Marshall Stability, tensile strength and compressive
strength tests. Triaxial tests were also conducted with
varying percentage bitumen by weight of mineral
aggregate (6% to 8%) and by varying percentage plastic
by weight of mix (6% to 12% with an increment of 1%).
Plastic content of 10% by weight of bitumen is
recommended for the improvement of the performance
of Stone Mastic Asphalt mixtures. 10% plastic content
gives an increase in the stability, split tensile strength
and compressive strength of about 64%, 18% and 75%
respectively compared to the conventional SMA mix.
Triaxial test results show a 44% increase in cohesion
and 3% decrease in angle of shearing resistance
showing an increase in the shear strength. The drain
down value decreases with an increase in plastic content
and the value is only 0.09 % at 10% plastic content and
proves to be an effective stabilizing additive in SMA
mixtures
Description:
International Journal of Engineering and Technology Vol.2 (6), 2010, 379-387