Technical Properties and Potential Application of Waste Engine Oil as Bitumen Modifier in Pavement Construction

Abstract

The gradually exhausting crude oil reserves worldwide have made experts in the building industry to explore alternative resources for road construction materials. This study was designed to evaluate the potential applications of engine oil wastes as a bitumen modifier. The Waste Engine Oil (WEO) was obtained from an auto mechanic workshop. The base bitumen was replaced with WEO at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% respectively. The WEO modified bitumen properties which included penetration, softening point, flash point, solubility, specific gravity and viscosity were measured in accordance to ASTM standard procedures for a period of 5 days. From the results obtained it was observed that as the replacement level of the WEO increased, there was decrease in the viscosity, specific gravity, flash point and the softening point properties. Incorporating WEO into the base bitumen can at best be acceptable at 2% - 4%.