Advancing pavement sustainability: Plastic waste powder (PWP) in asphalt binders

This study investigated the impact of adding plastic waste powder (PWP) from discarded mineral water bottles to asphalt binders. It assessed three asphalt binder grades with varying PWP contents and four asphalt mixes. Using the Mechanistic-Empirical methodology via 3D Move Analysis software, the study analyzed how plastic waste affected asphalt pavement performance. Through a series of laboratory tests and mechanistic-empirical analysis using 3D Move Analysis software, results demonstrated that PWP significantly improved the mechanical properties of asphalt binders, leading to increased durability and resistance to various forms of pavement distress. Additionally, the use of PWP was shown to reduce environmental impacts, including lower energy consumption, water usage, and emissions of CO2, NOx, SO2, and PM10, in addition to other environmental impacts. Cost analyses also revealed potential savings associated with the use of PWP modified asphalt. The findings suggested that PWP not only offered a viable method to recycle plastic waste but also enhanced the performance and longevity of asphalt pavements, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution in asphalt pavement construction.