Laboratory investigation on the properties of asphalt concrete containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

ABSTRACT

In this research, PET particles at levels of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% (by the weight of asphalt binder) were added to asphaltic mixtures containing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of RAP, and then their effects on volumetric and Marshall properties, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), creep, and fatigue behaviour were explored. Results demonstrate that Marshall stability increases with RAP addition, but decreases with the introduction of PET particles. While the ITS improves with added RAP, the highest ITS value resulting from PET addition is observed at a 3% PET content. Mixtures containing 20% RAP and 3% PET exhibit the highest resistance against moisture-induced damage. Based on dynamic creep test results, resistance to rutting decreases as PET content increases, whereas it improves with added RAP. Stress-controlled fatigue tests revealed that RAP incorporation enhances the fatigue resistance of mixtures, with this improvement growing alongside higher RAP content. However, PET particles reduce this property. Ultimately, the study's results suggest that RAP materials can offset the negative effects of PET, and with regulated quantities of both PET and RAP materials, asphalt mixtures containing these waste materials can perform comparably to conventional mixtures.

KEYWORDS:

• Asphaltic mixture
• PET
• RAP
• rutting resistance
• fatigue life

Acknowledgements

This work was conducted with support provided by the University of Zanjan.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University of Zanjan.