Performance Optimization Approach of Polymer-Modified Asphalt Mixtures with PET and PE Waste.

Road infrastructure sustainability and pavement performance may be increased by using waste materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene waste (PE waste) in polymer-modified asphalt mixtures. As seen by a more pronounced rise in the softening point, which exceeds 110 °C with 8% PE waste, PET was found to improve the tensile strength, resistance to cracking, and thermal stability of asphalt mixes. PE waste also increases ductility up to 4% PE waste, beyond which the combination becomes more brittle, and dramatically decreases penetration, strengthening the asphalt's resistance to deformation.

Modifying Bitumen with Recycled PET Plastics to Enhance Its Water Resistance and Strength Characteristics.

This study investigates the modification of bituminous mixtures by varying percentages of PET particles (1%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, and 12% PET). The following methods were employed to analyze the samples: the ring-and-ball softening point determination method (ASTM D36/D36M-14), the Fraass breaking point determination method (EN 12593: 2015), the elongation determination method (EN 13589: 2014), and the needle penetration depth determination method (EN 1426: 2015). Optimal bitumen/PET ratios were identified to obtain modified bituminous mixtures (MBMs) with enhanced operational characteristics (5% and 8% PET).

Blended Cement Mixed with Basic Oxygen Steelmaking Slag (BOF) as an Alternative Green Building Material.

Portland cement tends to exhibit negative environmental impacts; thus, it is required to find measures that will improve its green credentials. In this study, we report a blended Portland slag cement as an alternative environmentally-friendly building material in order to reduce the total carbon footprint resulted from the production of the ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which may resolve the environmental issues associated with carbon dioxide emissions. The ordinary Portland cement type I enhanced by basic oxygen steelmaking slag (BOF) is produced and casted into cubic and beam-like samples for the compressive and three-point bending tests, and the compressive and flexural strengths are experimentally measured.