Characterization of OGFC Mixtures Containing Reclaimed Polyethylene Fibers

Open-graded friction course (OGFC) mixture is a special purpose mixture that is being increasingly used in pavement surfacing around the world. OGFC mixtures consist of an open gradation, mostly of coarse size aggregate with little fines. Asphalt contents for OGFC mixtures are generally slightly higher than for dense-graded mixtures. This paper deals with the viability of using reclaimed polyethylene (PE) fibers derived from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) tote bags collected from domestic waste as an additive in OGFC mixtures. Draindown test results indicated that OGFC mixtures with PE fibers can be effectively used to retard draindown of the binder and mineral filler. Mixture designs were performed for a range of 4.5-6.0% asphalt content. Laboratory tests were carried out on OGFC mixtures to determine the resistance to fatigue damage, unaged and aged abrasion, tensile strength, moisture-induced damage, and plastic deformation. The test results indicated that OGFC mixtures with reclaimed PE fibers showed improvement in tensile strength and improved resistance to permanent deformation, fatigue-induced damage, and moisture susceptibility when compared with mixtures without fibers. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.