Marshall evaluation of asphalt mixtures modified with recycled PVC for heavy-traffic pavements (#1878)

Authors

Aguilar Aguilar, Denis Gerardo

Enamorado Herrera, Julio César

Uclés Brevé, Karla

López Zerón, Julio César

Abstract

The deterioration of Honduras’ road network and the large share of unpaved roads support the need for technically sound and environmentally beneficial maintenance alternatives; reports indicate that ~77% of the network is unpaved and ~2,000 km of asphalt pavement is deteriorated. This study proposes a hot-mix asphalt modified with recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and evaluates its performance for heavy-traffic applications. The experimental program was based on the Marshall method (stability and flow), complemented with aggregate gradation, specific gravity measurements, and air-voids analysis. A total of eight 1200 g Marshall specimens were prepared with 5% asphalt binder: three control specimens (no PVC) and five PVC-modified specimens using 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% PVC as aggregate. Results indicate that all PVC-modified specimens exceeded the minimum stability requirement for heavy traffic (≥8 kN), while the conventional mix exhibited higher stability overall. An optimum PVC content of 4.6% (at 5% binder) was computed, with corrected Marshall stabilities (PVC) ranging from 10.85 to 13.17 kN, compared with 15.52–18.36 kN for the control mix. Overall, the PVC-modified asphalt is a technically feasible alternative for heavy traffic, adding environmental value through plastic-waste reutilization.