Performance of PMMA and SBS Modified Asphalt Mixtures in Railway Supplementary Layers and Road Pavements

Abstract

The use of recycled waste elastic materials provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for further modifying the performance of asphalt mixtures. Therefore, the effects of different proportions of (PMMA) polymethyl methacrylate derived from waste plastic material were evaluated using the Indirect Tensile Strength Test (ITST) of lab-prepared specimens. Since numerous methods of modifying the conventional asphalt binder are available, in this research, the virgin binder was modified with 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% PMMA for evaluating optimum performance proportions in terms of Marshall stability and ITST of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, stiffness modulus tests were performed at frequency values of 1.2 Hz, 1.9 Hz, 3.9 Hz and 5 Hz. The effect of the loading rate from 10 MPa/s to 70 MPa/s was evaluated with an increment of 10 MPa/s for all proportions. Moreover, finite element modeling was performed using the data obtained from dynamic modulus tests with modified Burger's Logit model for evaluation of rutting progression. Results show improved performance of asphalt mixtures with the addition of PMMA, leading to variation in properties including penetration, softening point, Marshall stability and rutting resistance. It is recommended to use 5% PMMA for increased indirect tensile strength, Marshall stability, rutting and fatigue damage resistance.