Optimizing the use of recycled industrial waste plastic materials in asphalt binder and mixes

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Extreme climates, particularly in regions with both hot summers and cold winters (as in Canada), contribute substantially to premature failure of pavement structures. This problem is exacerbated by increases in the number and weight of truck traffic on the national highway system, as happened in the recent economic upturn. The combination of these two factors accelerates pavement deterioration and ultimately shortens the service life of flexible pavements in Canada. Furthermore, the pervasive generation of plastic waste has become a global concern during the past two decades, where Canada is also suffering from disposing of about 4 million tonnes of plastics in landfills annually. Therefore, innovative solutions are needed to reduce millions spent on pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, prevent excessive road work delays, and minimize the use of natural resources such as mineral aggregates and petroleum products (in turn minimizing environmental impacts of our road systems). The University of Waterloo's Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology (CPATT) is at the forefront of innovation in these areas and aims to achieve more durable pavements designed for the Canadian climate. Our research focuses on recycling a portion of the plastics waste stream to produce polymer modified asphalt concrete, and prolong the service life of pavements and alleviate the environmental burden imposed by the waste plastics generation.In this study, researchers from CPATT will work with the experts from Peel Plastic Products Ltd., Steed and Evans Ltd., and Yellowline Asphalt Products to advance the reuse of waste plastic materials in asphalt modification. The main objective is to find the best way to incorporate waste plastics (polymers) into the asphalt mix. In addition, the optimum quantities of plastic materials will be determined from laboratory tests to achieve the best performance. Reusing waste plastics as an innovative construction material is a sustainable solution that can greatly benefit Canadians as it will not only help increase the roads service life, but also preserve the environment.