DefinePK

Abstract

Plastic degradation is an important sustainability problem since it cannot be easily recycled and leads to land pollution. Waste plastic bottles, which are non-biodegradable, pose significant environmental risks. This study investigates how to enhance the performance of recycled asphalt blends in Pakistan's hot weather by combining rejuvenators and recycled plastic bottles with reclaimed asphalt aggregate. The current research aimed to optimize the incorporation of 5 - 25% plastic bottle waste and 15% recycled asphalt mixture, rejuvenated with 2 – 10% Waste Engine Oil (WEO) in Hot Mix Asphalt to assess the environmental benefits of using plastic bottle waste and recycled materials by evaluating its impact on Marshall stability, flow, and volumetric properties to ensure a sustainable and high-performance mix and reduce plastic waste accumulation, conservation of natural aggregates, and potential carbon footprint reduction. Overall, Ninety samples were created and the OBC for the conventional mix was calculated via a Marshall Mix technique, and the modified combination parameters were subsequently validated as per ASTM D1559 protocols. Rutting test was also carried out to examine to see how different percentages of waste plastic with 15% recycled materials affect asphaltic mixes performance when subjected to traffic. The study revealed that the asphalt mix comprising of 15 recycled materials and 15% PBW at 8% WEO contents showed the highest Marshall stability and least rutting, suggesting that plastic bottle waste significantly enhances the structural integrity of the asphalt when subjected to traffic. Plastic modification strengthens asphalt, reducing rutting and extending pavement life. The study recommends that using plastic bottle waste in asphalt not only strengthens the pavement but also helps tackle plastic pollution, making it an eco-friendly solution.