Laboratory Evaluation of Waste Plastic Modified Asphalt in Flood Prone Area of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract:

This study aims to investigate the utilization of waste plastics as improved modifier in the production of asphaltic concrete. Many asphalt road surfacing in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria fails due to collapse of the bond between aggregates and bitumen film (stripping) caused by water intrusion from annual floods. To reduce the effect of flood and prolong the life span of conventional asphalt, asphalt mixes are investigated to evaluate the effect of adding waste plastics (2, 4, 6, 8, 18, 12 and 14% % by weight of bitumen content) as modifier when un-soaked and soaked in water bath to simulate flood condition. The Marshall mix design method was adopted to determine the mechanical and volumetric properties of modified un-soaked and soaked asphalt concrete. The findings demonstrated that incorporation of waste plastics significantly improved the stability of the asphalt concrete, with an optimal dosage of 8% resulting in a 108% increase in stability compared to conventional asphalt concrete, and exhibiting improved performance under soaked conditions. It is therefore recommended that both private and government agencies use waste plastics in modification of asphaltic concrete to mitigate the effect of flood on our highways.

Keywords — Waste, Plastic, Asphalt, Flood, Concrete, Strength, Marshal, Stability, Flow