Experimental study on use of recycled polymer as modifier in mastic and asphalt mixture

Environment wastes caused by technological and industrial development are increasing. Whereas natural resources and disposal area for those wastes are decreasing day to day. So, recycling and reuse of waste materials has become crucial in terms of protection of environment and economy. In this research, a new polymer coming from the recycling of mixed plastic wastes has been used as fibres to increase asphalt mixture mechanical properties. In order to evaluate the rheo-mechanical effects of this new polymer the multiscale approach has been applied, evaluating mastic and mixture properties. The study has been started from the Asphalt Concrete scale through Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus (ITSM) test and Repeated Load Axial (RLA) test, in order to obtain stiffness and permanent deformation resistance of the mixtures. The scale has been reduced from mixture to mastic, obtaining complex modulus and phase angle of mastics using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). The results confirm as the new polymer increases mixture bearing capacity and rutting resistance.