Effect of waste polymer modifier on the properties of bituminous concrete mixes

In the present study, the effect of waste polymer (nitrile rubber and polyethylene in 1:4 ratio) modifier (WPM) on various mechanical properties such as Marshall stability, flow, Marshall quotient (stability to flow ratio), resilient modulus and permanent deformation potential of bituminous concrete overlays has been evaluated. The Marshall tests of the waste polymer modified bituminous concrete (WPMB) mixes, prepared through dry process, indicated the optimum waste polymer modifier content to be 8% (by weight of optimum bitumen content). The waste polymer modified bituminous mix containing 8% WPM showed considerable improvement in various mechanical properties of the mix compared to the conventional bituminous concrete mix.

► We use nitrile rubber and polyethylene mix (in 1:4 ratio) as waste polymer modifier (WPM) for bituminous concrete mix.
► We examine changes in mechanical properties of waste polymer modified bituminous (WPMB) mix.
► Modified bituminous mix with 8% WPM content show enhanced Marshall stability, flow, Marshall quotient, retained stability, resilient modulus and permanent deformation potential.
► Waste polymer modified bituminous concrete mix show better performance than conventional mix.