Static Mechanical Properties of Bituminous Concrete Modified with Tire Powder, Cross-Linked Plastic Bottles and Sulphur

Deodonne Kunwufine, Giscard Desting NIMPA, Jacques Remy MINANE, Parfait Isidore Mbenkoue Mbida, Michel Mbessa

Abstract: This study examines the impact of tire powder and cross-linked plastic bottles combined with sulphur on the static mechanical properties of bituminous concrete. Traditionally composed of aggregates and bitumen, bituminous concretes are widely used for asphalt pavements. However, their degradation often results from the combined effects of climatic conditions, traffic loads, as the inherent limitations of the material used. Despite advancements such as the development of Enhanced Modulus asphalt (EMA) and the incorporation of additives like plastic, rubber, and sulphur to enhance pavement performance, these issues persist. To further improve the mechanical properties of bituminous concrete, this study explores the use of cross-linked powders derived from plastic bottles and tires. To evaluate the variations in the static mechanical characteristics of the modified materials, the components were characterised according to relevant standards. Bituminous mixtures were then manufactured and subjected to Duriez and Marshall tests. The modified composites were obtained by replacing 5%, 10% and 15% of the bitumen with a blend of tire powder, plastic bottle powder and sulphur in the following proportions of 40%, 28% and 32% respectively. The results indicated a decrease in the penetrability of neo-binders with the incorporation of 15% modified class 35/50 bitumen. Additionally, the simple compressive strengths of the modified composites were as follows; 9.81 MPa for the?BB?_5, 9.93 MPa for the ?BB?_10 and 9.99 for the ?BB?_15, all exceeding the compressive strength of the control asphalt concrete (?BB?_0), which is 9.75MPa. Moreover, while ?BB?_0 has a stability of 961 kg, each of the modified composites demonstrated greater stability, notably ?BB?_5,?BB?_10and ?BB?_15which have respectively for stability at 975 kg ; 989,9 kg et 999,99 kg. Thus, bituminous neo-concrete has the potential to be used in the construction of more durable pavements.

Keywords: Bituminous concrete, tires, plastic bottles, cross-linking