Abstract:
Waste is generated in large quantities today on a global scale. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
is one of these waste plastic materials that can be used to produce more durable, costeffective, and eco-friendly pavements. Tons of asphalt have been squandered because of
the reconstruction and resurfacing of numerous roads in Pakistan, including highways and
motorways. By wasting the massive amount of Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), natural
resources and a significant portion of our revenue are depleted. This study evaluates a
laboratory investigation to assess mix designs with varying amounts of waste Expanded
Polystyrene, including 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, combined with the high Reclaimed Asphalt
Pavement (RAP) content, including 20%, 40%, and 60%, under various performance
situations. Utilizing the Marshall Stability Test, Double Wheel Tracker Test, and Indirect
Tensile Strength Test, this study observed the stability, flow, rutting potential, tensile
strength, and moisture damage characteristics of the controlled and Modified HMA
mixtures. Preliminary testing on WEPS-modified bitumen revealed that bitumen hardened
with the addition of Waste Expanded Polystyrene (WEPS). By evaluating the outcomes of
physical tests on WEPS-modified bitumen, the optimum WEPS content of 4% was
established. WEPS and RAP-modified asphalt mixtures showed better performance in
terms of stability, flow, tensile strength, and rutting resistance compared to the controlled
mixture. WEPS-modified HMA outperformed virgin HMA in terms of moisture
susceptibility. However, raising the RAP content above 40% led to a significantly lower
TSR value than the control mix, which implies a higher risk of moisture damage in HMA
mixtures. In addition to having a longer service life and being environmentally beneficial,
WEPS-modified HMA pavements with high RAP content offer a cost-effective alternative
for constructing and maintaining high-volume roads.
