Improving Asphalt Pavements: A Study On Bitumen Modification With Recycled PET And Recron 3S Fiber Reinforcement

Abstract

Creating long-lasting, sustainable roads is an ongoing challenge. An increase in traffic and rapidly changing climate conditions are pressuring conventional pavements heavily - this is where so many failures occur. Not only this, this is where synthetic fibers, such as Recron 3S, can help you reinforce bitumen making it more resistant to road pavement failures. This study was focused on testing a hybrid mix of Recron 3S polyester fibers with recycled PET plastic so that we could create a higher-performance binder. Our goal was to identify the hybrid mix and quantify what improvements could be achieved.

The process was very simple. Several VG30 bitumen samples were prepared recording varying PET (2%, 5%, 7%) and Recron 3S (0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%). The samples then went through testing according to a standard method assessing key parameters of performance; Marshall Stability for load bearing capacity, Penetration for hardness and the Softening Point for heat resistance.

In the end, the hybrid mix with 0.5% Recron 3S and our best PET percentage had a 28% increase in Marshall Stability - from a "stable" 9.2 kN to a "solid" 11.8 kN - that's a substantial increase! This indicates the hybrid is able to withstand heavier loads before failure. We also noted that the flow values decreased across samples - this means the permanent deformation of the material is greatly reduced. To top it off, the softening point of our modified bitumen increased from 50 degrees C to 54 degrees C indicating a better resistance to heat. Overall, the study concluded that the hybrid approach of utilizing Recron 3S and recycled PET plastic was an effective way to develop sustainable, durable pavements that also have a reduced environmental footprint.