Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

164 million, the amount of plastic sachet footprints Filipinos leave daily that amounts up

to 59.7 billion pieces yearly. On an average, each citizen uses a total of 591 of sachets,

174 grocery bags, and 163 common plastic bags per year [1]. With such a large volume of

plastics and improper disposal, the Philippines experiences several difficulties that lead to

plastic mismanagement. Relying on natural decomposition is not an option as it takes up

to 1000 years for plastics to break down in landfills [2]. Due to the alarming increase of

the plastic waste in the country without a proper solution, several studies are conducted to

develop advancements especially in the construction field.

The Philippines is one of the countries that regularly use flexible pavements in its road

construction, making the asphalt an ideal road construction material to be improved using

polymers such as plastic. Adding plastic waste materials improves its properties including

the strength and durability of the asphalt mixture, as well as increased viscosity that results

in lower penetration values, higher performance, and longer lifespan [3]. Because of this,

the potential use of recycled plastic as an improved asphalt binder has been demonstrated

in countries such as the Christchurch Airport in New Zealand [14], Asphalt Plastic Road

in Indonesia ASRI [15], the first plastic cycle path in the Netherlands at the Municipality

of Zwolle [16], and the bicycle lanes made of plastics built by San Miguel Corporation in

Mandaluyong, Philippines [17]. The advancement of using plastic as an asphalt binder is a

global interest. Several studies under different specifications and conditions have shown

results that proves the effectiveness of the experimental asphalt mixture as a road pavement
[3]. The Philippines, as one of the countries with a high volume of plastic wastes, should

also show high interest and consider the application of such advancement for its

construction method.

Two methods are to be considered when adding plastic wastes with asphalt mixtures. First,

the dry method in which the plastic wastes are added after mixing the aggregates and the

binder. However, mixtures from this method often display inconsistent performance due to

the poor interaction between plastic and binder, as well as the irregular distribution of

plastic pieces [4]. Contrary to the dry method, the wet method directly adds the plastic

waste to the mixture by melting it with the asphalt binder. Mixtures from wet methods are

proven by previous research to show efficacy and improved thermal behavior [4]. Wet

method’s efficient and reliable results provide the best option when maximizing the

experimental mixture’s applications.

The study presents additional solutions to prevent the continuous growth of the plastic

waste while developing advancements that improve road construction. Asphalt’s

recyclable property makes it one of the best options in recycling wastes. As the asphalt gets

recycled, the recurring process of melting the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with the

asphalt binder will continuously prevent the increase of plastic waste and its effects.

1.1. Background of the Study

Urban flood is a common event that most Filipinos experience during heavy rains. Plastics

cover a large portion of wastes that obstruct the drainage system. Increase in plastic wastes

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is caused by poor waste management plans, human negligence, and wide production of

plastics [1]. Since plastics take a long time to be decomposed naturally, several strategies

are developed to make use of such material especially in the construction field.

Asphalt is a common flexible pavement used in Philippines' roads. It offers benefits such

as safety, cost-effectiveness, durability, and efficiency. Utilizing asphalt as a solution in

reducing plastic waste was developed due it being 100% recyclable. Because of this, plastic

wastes can easily accommodate the asphalt while being recycled when melted and added

to the bitumen binder that hardens the mixture [6]. Using polymers like polyethylene in

asphalt mixtures shows significant improvements in terms of strength and elasticity. Test

results show that adding just 8% of LDPE, HDPE or also known as High Density

Polyethylene and PP also known as Polypropylene to the asphalt increases the stability of

the mixture [3]. Data as such is a breakthrough in the construction industry that longs to

produce advancements in quality and safer materials. According to the conclusions of

Awwad & Shbeeb [10], Adding polymers such as polyethylene also decreases the

deformation in the pavement, fatigue also increases its resistance, and have a proper and

better bindings for the mixtures.

Albeit several local studies that highlight the improvement in properties of LDPE-asphalt

mixtures compared to traditional asphalt mixtures, it is recommended to perform a study

that demonstrates actual application of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) modified asphalt

mixture and studies that relates it as a performing road [5]. This study’s goal is to utilize

the experimental asphalt mixture in road construction in accordance with the standard used

by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and produce a sustainable road

material that can be widely used in the country. The LDPE-asphalt mixture will be tested

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using several ASTM/AASHTO tests such as: ASTM D6927-06 (Marshall Stability and

Flow), and ASTM D2726 or AASHTO T166 (Bulk Specific Gravity and Air Voids). Results

in the tests, using wet method of application, will be compared to the properties of the

DPWH approved asphalt that is used in the Philippines.

With the continuous increasing demand for proper plastic waste disposal in the Philippines,

this study aims to maximize the capabilities of LDPE in enhancing the asphalt as a widely

used pavement in the country. Utilizing polymer as a commonly used construction material

will provide a sustained solution to the growing number of plastic wastes [6], while also

making wastes a consideration for material advancement in the Civil Engineering field.

1.2. Significance of the Study

The fast-rising production of plastics and inappropriate waste management results in plastic

pollution that has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental challenges. This study

proposes a solution that will contribute to decreasing the pollutants in the country while

also developing a advancement in the construction materials. The results of the research

will be beneficial especially to the following:

Engineers, as highly skilled professionals, held the crucial responsibility of designing and

planning structures that served to safeguard the community. Their primary focus

encompassed delivering projects of utmost safety and quality, particularly in the realm of

public works. With a collective goal of propelling the Civil Engineering industry forward,

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the study was undertaken with the aim of developing a material that would exhibit

enhanced strength and safety characteristics, thereby elevating the standards of

construction projects. The methods employed throughout the study not only generated

significant findings but also yielded a wealth of invaluable insights and foundational

knowledge that engineers could readily harness to fuel future advancements in the field of

construction materials. The study thus stood as a testament of progress within the Civil

Engineering field, empowering engineers to continually innovate and shape the built

environment in a manner that surpassed traditional methods.

The study produced a notable output by repurposing low-density polyethylene plastics

(LDPE) as a replacement binder in the asphalt mixture. This innovative approach had

numerous environmental benefits; By repurposing LDPE waste materials, the study

contributed to reducing pollution and mitigating the negative impacts associated with

plastic waste on a global scale. Repurposing LDPE helped conserve and sustain natural

resources that are not easily replenished over time. Using recycled waste materials such as

LDPE as a modifier can be enacted without cost. Manufacturing such polymer-mixed

construction materials will open the subject of possibly carrying out other materials

advanced through addition of waste.

1.3. Objectives

The study contributes to the advancements used to develop and ameliorate the road

construction in the Philippines. Asphalt, as one of the common and important materials in

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road construction, uses different materials in its composition such as aggregates and asphalt

binder (bitumen binder). This study aims to yield results that will heavily contribute to the

progression of asphalt as a material in road construction with the use of recyclable materials

such as Low-Density Polyethylene. The experiment asphalt mixture is to establish and

accomplish the following:

● To Produce an asphalt mixture with heightened strength as a road pavement by

utilizing the properties of LDPE as an additive in the binder.

○ To evaluate the effects of adding LDPE to the asphalt binder in the physical

properties of the conventional mixture through the data gathered from bulk

specific gravity and air voids.

○ To evaluate the effects of adding LDPE to the asphalt binder in the

mechanical properties of the conventional mixture through the data

gathered from Marshall stability and flow test.

○ To compare the three (3) types of experimental mixtures with different

content percentages of LDPE (6%, 8%, and 10%) added in the binder by

the significance of their test results and as a congruent material in

constructing road pavements in the Philippines (according to DPWH

specification).

○ To evaluate the effectiveness of modifying the conventional mixture by

adding LDPE to the asphalt binder in comparison to the existing standards

(based on DPWH test results provided).

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1.4. Scope and Delimitations

The study will focus on mixing recycled LDPE in the conventional HMA mixture. The

LDPE-asphalt mixture will be produced in three (3) types with different amounts of LDPE

added in the total content of binder; One will have 6%, another with 8%, and the last one

10%. These percentages are recommended OPC (Optimum Plastic Content) by the Indian

Road Congress [18]. A control mix will be produced without the addition of a modifier

which is the LDPE (0%). Grade B will be the classification of asphalt mixture to be used

in this study which is similar to the basis of comparison provided by the DPWH. Samples

are then tested with the equipment and apparatus available at Universal Testing Laboratory

and Inspections, Inc. such as Marshall Test Machine and Weighing Scale. This results in

limiting the obtained data from the Marshall stability and flow test, bulk specific gravity

(through calculations), and air voids (through calculations). Results from the tests will be

compared to the standards of DPWH with ASTM and ACI specifications in asphalt

mixtures that will prove the viability of LDPE-asphalt mixture to be used as a road

pavement.

On account to the short span of time allotted and resources provided to the study,

limitations are to be observed in the experiments that can alter the accuracy of the results.

Due to the limited budget for the study, several tests such as penetration, index of retained

strength, flash point, solubility in trichloroethylene, thin film oven test, spot test, and other

possible tests that is used in asphalt pavement grading are not included in the scope of the

study which may also assist solidifying the comparison of results with the standards of

DPWH. The quality and conditions of the available apparatus and equipment may also

affect the accuracy of the results. Relative to this is the researcher’s minimal experience in

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the conducted tests. The study will also have a limited sample of three (3) for each

percentage due to bounded supply of resources. The researchers were also unable to

provide a sample and produce data of an asphalt mixture having a different grading system

from the one used in this study due to the limitations. Even though one of the cores of the

study is for the environment’s benefit, it is possible that the burning of plastic in the wet

method of mixture may release amounts of toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide which is

known to be harmful for the ozone layer and for the health of humans. Despite the LDPE-

asphalt mixture being tested according to the DPWH standard, the serviceability over time

as well as the exposure of the asphalt in the field isn’t accommodated in the study.

1.5. Conceptual Framework

The study aims to produce an innovative asphalt mixture with LDPE as an additive in

improving its road pavement properties. Production will start by applying 6%, 8%, and

10% contents of LDPE on the total content binder of the conventional asphalt mixture.

Each percent content of LDPE on the mixture’s binder and the control mix will be sampled

three (3) times. This will produce a total of twelve (12) Marshall samples; three (3) for

each percent and control mix will be used for Marshall stability and flow, while for bulk

specific gravity and air voids, the same Marshall will be used to be weighed. Production

will be examined using several tests and assessments; ASTM D6927-06 will get the marshal

stability and the flow of the mixture and ASTM D2726 or AASHTO T166 will be done to

obtain data of bulk specific gravity and air voids using formula-based calculations. The

gathered data will then be tabulated in their respective categories. After the data are

presented through tables, the results will then be evaluated according to the specifications

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provided by the DPWH to determine if the properties of LDPE-asphalt mixtures achieved

the requirements and can be utilized as a road pavement. Further progress on the evaluation

will then conclude the most viable percent of LDPE that can be utilized as a road pavement.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

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1.6. Definition of Terms

Aggregate: a whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements.

Ameliorate: to make better or more tolerable

Artery: is a high-capacity urban road that sits below freeways/motorways on the road

hierarchy in terms of traffic flow and speed.

Bitumen: a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons obtained naturally or as a residue from

petroleum distillation. It is used for road surfacing and roofing.

Blotting: dry using an absorbent material.

Bulk Specific Gravity: The ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of aggregate at a

stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at the

stated temperature.

Carbon Monoxide: a toxic flammable gas that is known to be colorless and odorless which

is formed by incomplete combustion of carbon.

Congruent: in agreement or harmony.

Crumb Rubber: is recycled rubber produced from automotive and truck scrap tires.

Crystalline Structure: consists of symmetrical chemical bonds that are arranged in order

that affects the overall properties of the material.

Ductility: is the ability of a material to be drawn or plastically deformed without fracture.

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Elasticity: is a measurement of the rate of change of strain as a function of stress.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum.

Mostly seen as bottles, jugs, cutting boards, and piping.

Hydroxyapatite: a mineral in apatite group that is the main inorganic component of tooth

enamel and bone, although it is rare in rocks.

Indirect Tensile Strength: is a measurement of strength and adherence against fatigue,

temperature cracking and rutting.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): a soft, flexible, and lightweight plastic material. It

has low temperature flexibility, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

Marshall Stability: Used in determining the OBC also known as optimum binder content

in the asphalt mixture.

Melt Flow Index: is a measure of the ease of flow in the thermoplastic polymer

Metal Corrosion: deterioration or failure by chemical or electrochemical action between

the metal and its environment.

Moisture Diffusion: Molecular process where each indivual molecules are randomly

moving.

Opaque: not transparent or translucent.

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Optimum Binder Content: Used to balance variation of mixture properties for aggregate

gradation, aggregate type and additive type. It is also called as asphalt binder.

Pacamã: a type of fish that has a scientific name of Lophiosilurus Alexandri

Polylactic acid: is a biodegradable as well as recyclable polyester made from renewable

feedstock.

Polyethylene (PE): It is the most common type of plastic. A common type of plastic that

is flexible and light synthetic resin made from polymerization of ethylene

Polyethylene Terephthalate: is the most common thermoplastic polymer. Mainly used

for containers, thermoforming plastics for manufactures, and known in fibres for clothes

Polymers: a class of natural and synthetic substances that have very large molecules.

Polypropylene: is a thermoplastic “addition polymer” made from the combination of

propylene monomers.

Prominent: important; well-known.

Serviceability: defines a material that is good enough to be used and to perform it purpose

Titanium Dioxide: also known as titanium IV, is a compound occurring naturally when

titanium reacts to the oxygen of the air. It can be seen as a white opaque powder used in a

variety of products.

Vapor Permeability: Special property to allow the water vapor to enter.

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Viability: ability to work successfully.

Viscosity: is a measurement of a material's resistance to flow, typically a fluid.

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