Long-term performance of porous asphalt pavement incorporating recycled plastics

Recycling plastic in asphalt pavement holds potential for environmental and economic benefits. However, its performance after prolonged exposure to heat, oxygen, sunlight, and moisture remains uncertain, casting doubt on its viability. In this study, various types of recycled plastics were incorporated into porous asphalt mixtures and exposed to long-term aging conditions. A total of 360 specimens were tested to evaluate several key properties: moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance; abrasion resistance; and indirect tensile strength and fatigue resistance. The results indicate that porous mixtures with 5 % plastic generally exhibit superior long-term performance compared to non-plastic porous mixtures, except for cracking resistance. Excessive addition of plastic (15 %) in asphalt pavement can lead to significant degradation of long-term performance. A trial section incorporating plastic in porous asphalt pavement exhibited satisfactory performance after a year of construction. These insights are pivotal in shaping policy and directing resources toward sustainable road construction practices.