Evaluation of optimum asphalt content and engineering properties of asphalt mixture containing irradiated waste plastic bottles granules as aggregates

Abstract

The massive volume of polyethylene terephthalate waste (WPET) creates serious environmental complications. A popular way to reuse WPET is as aggregates substitute in a densely graded asphalt concrete mixture. However, both positive and negative impacts on Marshall stability were found when PET particles were used as modifiers. One potential means to solve this is the usage of gamma radiation treatment. In this regard, gamma radiation treatment influences on the WPET granules were investigated on modified asphalt mixtures volumetric and strength properties. The findings illustrate that the application of treatment with gamma rays on WPET granules enhances stability, decreases optimum asphalt content (OAC), boosts rigidity, and the modified asphalt mixture meets all the Marshall mix design requirements. Therefore, the proposed modification of the waste plastic bottles granules by exposing to gamma radiation might be an efficient avenue for repurposing waste with improve engineering properties.