The Importance of Asphalt Quality in Road Pavement

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 31 views

The Effect of Adding Plastic Types of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) on the Characteristics of the AC-WC Asphalt Mixture

Introduction

High-quality road pavement is heavily dependent on the quality of the asphalt used. One way to improve asphalt quality is to add additives, such as polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE, PET), EVA, or rubber. The addition of these additives has been proven to increase the stability value of Marshall, which is an important indicator in the quality of the asphalt mixture. In Indonesia, the government through the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) is implementing plastic asphalt mixed technology as an effort to utilize plastic waste. One type of plastic used is Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), which is mixed on AC-WC asphalt. This technology has a number of advantages, including reducing traces of vehicles when asphalt wet, increasing resistance to deformation or grooves, and improving cracking resistance.

The Importance of Asphalt Quality in Road Pavement

Asphalt quality plays a crucial role in determining the durability and lifespan of road pavement. The quality of asphalt is influenced by various factors, including the type of asphalt used, the aggregate mixture, and the additives added to the asphalt. The addition of additives, such as polyethylene, EVA, or rubber, has been proven to improve the stability and durability of asphalt. In Indonesia, the government is implementing plastic asphalt mixed technology as an effort to utilize plastic waste and improve the quality of road pavement.

Research Methodology

This research was conducted through an experimental study conducted at the Medan National Road Implementation Center (BBPJN) II Laboratory. Various LDPE plastic content was used in mixtures, namely 0%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Marshall testing was carried out to evaluate the stability and mixture flow value, while the Wheel Tracking Machine (WTM) test aimed to measure dynamic stability and mixture deformation speed.

The Role of LDPE in Improving Asphalt Quality

The results of this research showed that the additional addition of LDPE plastic can significantly improve the performance of the asphalt mixture. Increased Marshall's stability value was observed in the mixture with the addition of LDPE compared to those without addition. In addition, the VIM (void in mix) and VMA (void in mineral aggregate) values have also increased. This shows an increase in empty space in the mixture, which means that asphalt is more effective in filling space between aggregates and binding it.

Optimal LDPE Content for Asphalt Mixture

LDPE plastic content of 6% was found as the optimal level based on Marshall testing parameters. In WTM testing, the mixture with the addition of 6% LDPE recorded a dynamic stability value of 3497.30 path/mm and a deformation speed of 0.0120 mm/minute. Conversely, the mixture without the addition of LDPE only reached dynamic stability of 508.06 path/mm with a deformation speed of 0.0827 mm/minute.

Research Implications

These results indicate that the addition of LDPE plastic can significantly improve the performance of the asphalt mixture, especially in terms of receiving repeated loads due to traffic and increasing resistance to cracks. Therefore, this plastic asphalt mixed technology not only has a positive impact on the quality of road pavement, but also contributes to efforts to manage plastic waste in Indonesia.

Conclusion

This research makes an important contribution to the development of road pavement technology that is more environmentally friendly and efficient. Continuing efforts in research and application of this technology can help create more durable road infrastructure and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this research, the following recommendations are made:

The use of LDPE plastic as an additive in asphalt mixture can significantly improve the performance of the asphalt mixture.
The optimal LDPE content for asphalt mixture is 6%.
Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of LDPE plastic on asphalt mixture.
The implementation of plastic asphalt mixed technology can contribute to efforts to manage plastic waste in Indonesia.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Investigating the long-term effects of LDPE plastic on asphalt mixture.
Developing new technologies to utilize plastic waste in road pavement construction.
Conducting field tests to evaluate the performance of plastic asphalt mixed technology in real-world conditions.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, which may not reflect real-world conditions.
The study only investigated the effects of LDPE plastic on asphalt mixture, and did not consider other additives or variables.
The study only considered the short-term effects of LDPE plastic on asphalt mixture, and did not investigate the long-term effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research has shown that the addition of LDPE plastic can significantly improve the performance of the asphalt mixture. The optimal LDPE content for asphalt mixture is 6%. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of LDPE plastic on asphalt mixture and to develop new technologies to utilize plastic waste in road pavement construction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Adding Plastic Types of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) on the Characteristics of the AC-WC Asphalt Mixture

Q: What is the purpose of adding LDPE plastic to asphalt mixture?

A: The purpose of adding LDPE plastic to asphalt mixture is to improve its performance and durability. LDPE plastic can help to increase the stability and resistance of the asphalt mixture to deformation and cracking.

Q: How does LDPE plastic improve the performance of asphalt mixture?

A: LDPE plastic can help to improve the performance of asphalt mixture in several ways. It can increase the stability and resistance of the mixture to deformation and cracking, reduce the voids in the mixture, and improve the binding properties of the asphalt.

Q: What is the optimal LDPE content for asphalt mixture?

A: The optimal LDPE content for asphalt mixture is 6%. This is based on the results of the research, which showed that the mixture with 6% LDPE content had the highest stability and resistance to deformation and cracking.

Q: Can LDPE plastic be used in other types of asphalt mixtures?

A: Yes, LDPE plastic can be used in other types of asphalt mixtures. However, the optimal LDPE content may vary depending on the type of asphalt mixture and the specific application.

Q: How does LDPE plastic affect the environmental impact of asphalt mixture?

A: LDPE plastic can help to reduce the environmental impact of asphalt mixture by utilizing plastic waste and reducing the amount of virgin materials needed. Additionally, the use of LDPE plastic can help to reduce the amount of waste generated during the construction and maintenance of asphalt roads.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of using LDPE plastic in asphalt mixture?

A: Some potential drawbacks of using LDPE plastic in asphalt mixture include the potential for reduced durability and performance over time, the potential for increased cost, and the potential for environmental concerns related to the production and disposal of LDPE plastic.

Q: Can LDPE plastic be used in combination with other additives?

A: Yes, LDPE plastic can be used in combination with other additives to improve the performance and durability of asphalt mixture. However, the optimal combination of additives and the optimal LDPE content may vary depending on the specific application and the type of asphalt mixture.

Q: How can LDPE plastic be incorporated into asphalt mixture?

A: LDPE plastic can be incorporated into asphalt mixture through various methods, including blending, compounding, and extrusion. The specific method used will depend on the type of LDPE plastic and the desired properties of the asphalt mixture.

Q: What are the potential applications of LDPE plastic in asphalt mixture?

A: The potential applications of LDPE plastic in asphalt mixture include road construction, pavement repair, and maintenance. LDPE plastic can also be used in other applications, such as construction materials, packaging materials, and consumer products.

Q: Can LDPE plastic be used in cold climates?

A: Yes, LDPE plastic can be used in cold climates. However, the optimal LDPE content and the specific application may vary depending on the temperature and the type of asphalt mixture.

Q: How can the performance of LDPE plastic in asphalt mixture be evaluated?

A: The performance of LDPE plastic in asphalt mixture can be evaluated through various tests and measurements, including Marshall testing, Wheel Tracking Machine (WTM) testing, and dynamic stability testing.