The effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) addition to the characteristics of asphalt mixture

Abstract

Improving the quality of asphalt by adding additives like polymers, one of which is Polyethylene mixed in the AC-WC asphalt mixture. This research aims to determine the effect of adding Polyethylene on the characteristics of AC-WC asphalt mixture and bitumen properties. Polyethylene used is the Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) type, especially thin plastic bags with 0%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 15% and 20% contents of the asphalt weight. The Marshall Test is conducted to determine the value of stability and flow, and the Wheel Tracking Machine (WTM) Test is conducted to determine the value of dynamic stability and the rate of deformation of the asphalt mixture. The results show that the addition of LDPE can improve the performance of the asphalt mixture. The addition of 6% LDPE shows the optimum quality seen from the Marshall Test parameters. In the WTM Test, it found that the addition of 6% LDPE was increasing the value of dynamic stability and decreasing the rate of deformation. It shows that the addition of 6% LDPE can improve the performance of the asphalt mixture in receiving repeated loads due to tire repetition, as well as increasing crack resistance.

Effect of Adding LDPE Bags on Rutting and Stripping Behaviour of Asphalt Mix

“…Asphalt-mix properties can be further improved by using more advanced techniques with other modifiers, preferably with waste materials. Lubis et al (2020) investigated that LDPE bags with different percentages of weight of asphalt were added and tests were conducted for the determination of stability and permanent deformation. The results showed that utilization of LDPE in the asphalt mix up to a specific content (6%) can improve the performance of the HMA mix, especially decreasing the rate of deformation.…”