Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture using Shredded Face Mask and Waste Baby Diapers

Abstract

This research explores a new strategy to manage waste baby diapers (WBD) and face masks (FM) to reduce environmental concerns brought on by the spread of infectious and harmful organisms and also to improve the performance of asphalt mix. In this study WBD and FM is use as bitumen and aggregate modifier to enhance performance of asphalt mix. In particular, 4% of the shredded BD, based on the weight of the bitumen, was added directly during the melting process, whereas varied amounts of the shredded FM (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were used as aggregate coating through the melting process. This study examined the stability, flow, rutting potential, tensile strength, and moisture damage characteristics of the controlled and Modified HMA mixtures using the Marshall Stability Test, Double Wheel Tracker Test, and Indirect Tensile Strength Test. The obtained results showed that the addition of WBD improved modified bitumen's (MB) resistance to heat and permanent deformations, and the FM treatment greatly improved the aggregates' physical and mechanical characteristics. The ideal WBD content of 4% was obtained by analyzing the results of physical tests on WBD-modified bitumen. In comparison to the controlled mixture, the WBD and SFM-modified asphalt mixtures performed better in terms of stability, flow, tensile strength, and rutting resistance. Combining 4% BD and 1.5% FM increased densification and contributed to strong bonds between aggregates and asphalt paste, which increased stability and indirect tensile strength by 39% and 18%, respectively, and decreased permanent deformations by 27%. These improvements resulted in a staggering 53% increase in resistance to rut depth. Notably, 8% more moisture resistance was also improved. Ultimately