Abstract:
The impact of human activity on the Earth’s environment is an issue of immense concern
today. Climate change and its consequences are prevalent on human society and nature
alike. The construction practices of today show utter disregard for the environment. This
study explores a multi-faceted approach towards environmental conservation and
sustainability.
Sustainability involves preserving natural resources for future generations. In the world of
pavement construction, this can be achieved by incorporating recycled materials including
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) into the pavement mix, using Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET) to modify Asphalt Binder and imparting photocatalytic properties to
the road surface by using Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) as a photocatalyst. In accordance with
this, the materials were tested for various properties, including abrasion resistance, shape
characteristics, density, impact resistance, and bitumen properties.
Photocatalytic performance was evaluated through NOx degradation tests, while durability
was assessed using moisture susceptibility tests. The results demonstrated that the RAP and
PET-modified binder mix exhibited improved mechanical properties and environmental
benefits. The photocatalytic pavements effectively degraded nitrogen oxides, contributing
to better air quality.
The study concludes that the integration of RAP, PET, and TiO2 in pavement construction
offers a viable solution for sustainable infrastructure development. The findings support
the potential for large-scale application of these sustainable materials, promoting resource
conservation, reducing waste, and enhancing the longevity and environmental performance
of pavements.
