Behavior of asphalt concrete mixtures with reclaimed polyethylene as additive

This paper deals with the viability of using reclaimed polyethylene (PE) derived from low-density PE carry bags collected from domestic waste as an additive in asphalt concrete mixtures. Different ratios of PE (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10% by weight of asphalt) were blended with (80/ 100)-paving grade asphalt. The dynamic creep test (unconfined), indirect tensile test, resilient modulus test, and Hamburg wheel track tests were carried out on asphalt concrete mixtures blended with PE. The analyses of test results show that the performance of PE-modified asphalt mixtures are better when compared to conventional mixtures. The rutting potential and temperature susceptibility can be reduced by the inclusion of PE in the asphalt mixture. A PE content of 5% by weight of asphalt is recommended for the improvement of the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures similar to that investigated in this study. © 2007 ASCE.