Effect of Low-Density Polyethylene on Fracture Toughness of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 22, Issue 10
Abstract
This research used laboratory evaluations to study the effect of using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) additive on the fracture toughness of asphalt concrete mixtures. LDPE was mixed with asphalt at and incorporated into the mixture. LDPE content of 1.5, 3, and 4.5% by total weight of asphalt was adapted. Fracture toughness evaluation was based on the J-integral concept. Innovative semicircular specimen geometry (76-mm radius and 57-mm thickness) is employed in fracture toughness evaluation. Notches with different depth-to-radius ratios were introduced at the middle of the flat surface of each specimen. Three-point bend loading was used to allow the separation of the two surfaces as a result of tensile stresses at the crack tip. Application of the J-integral concept revealed the fracture toughness superiority of the LDPE-modified asphalt concrete mixtures as compared to the unmodified mixture. The fracture toughness is sensitive to the LDPE concentration. Mixtures modified with 4.5% LDPE experienced the highest fracture toughness. LDPE modification has also enhanced the physical properties of asphalt cement. The LDPE-modified asphalt concrete mix displayed a significant increase in both indirect tensile and compressive strength.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 22 • Issue 10 • October 2010
Pages: 1019 - 1024
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Jul 9, 2009
Accepted: Mar 17, 2010
Published online: Mar 22, 2010
Published in print: Oct 2010
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