International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET International Open Access, Monthly, Peer Reviewed, Reputed Journal ISSN (online): 2581-3048

Impact Factor (2025): 6.9

DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Influence of Polymer and Industrial Waste Additives on Mechanical Behavior of Asphalt Mixes

Abstract

The performance of conventional bituminous mixtures used in flexible pavements is often affected by increased traffic loading, environmental variations, and moisture susceptibility. To address these challenges, this study explores the use of reclaimed polyethylene (RPE) obtained from waste packaging materials, in combination with industrial by-products such as fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), for improving asphalt mix performance.

Bituminous Concrete (BC), Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM), and Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixes were prepared and analyzed using the Marshall mix design method. The Optimum Binder Content (OBC) and Optimum Polymer Content (OPC) were established for both conventional and modified mixtures. Mechanical performance was assessed through Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength and drain-down resistance tests.

The results demonstrate that RPE enhances the cohesion between binder and aggregates, leading to improved stability and tensile properties. The addition of fly ash and GBFS contributes to enhanced moisture resistance and overall durability. An optimum level of polyethylene content was identified, beyond which performance declines due to reduced workability.

The study concludes that the integration of polymer modifiers with industrial waste materials is an effective and sustainable approach for producing high-performance asphalt mixtures, offering both engineering and environmental benefits.

Country : India

1 Omprakash Rathore2 Akhand Pratap Singh

  1. M.Tech. Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Shri Rawatpura Sarkar University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Shri Rawatpura Sarkar University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

IRJIET, Volume 10, Issue 4, April 2026 pp. 34-49

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2026.104005

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