DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE PHOTOCATALYTIC PAVEMENTS USING PET AND RAP-MODIFIED BINDER

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.