FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE

City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

Investigating the Effect of Polystyrene and

Polyethylene in Asphalt Mixtures
for Improved Durability and Sustainability

Presented to
Civil Engineering Department of
First City Providential College

BY
Arac, Jairan Carlo L.
Gerona, Carla Mae
Lopez, Jackie June
Obsequio, Argee N.
Purlas, Shelah MEleah

November 18, 202

FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

RATIONALE
The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven
researchers to explore innovative solutions for enhancing the performance and
environmental impact of asphalt mixtures. Waste management, particularly plastic
waste, is a growing global concern, with materials like polystyrene and polyethylene
contributing significantly to the problem. Incorporating polystyrene and polyethylene
into asphalt offers a dual benefit: it provides a sustainable method for repurposing
plastic waste while potentially improving the mechanical properties of asphalt, such as
durability, flexibility, and resistance to deformation. This approach aligns with global
sustainability goals by reducing plastic waste in landfills and enhancing the lifespan of
road infrastructure. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of
using polystyrene and polyethylene in asphalt mixtures. By understanding their impact
on asphalt properties, this research can contribute to the development of innovative,
cost-effective, and eco-friendly road construction solution.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

1. Plastic Waste Management

2. Use of HDPE in Asphalt
3. Improved Durability
4. Enhanced Sustainability
5. Cracking Resistance
6. Environmental Impact Reduction
7. Recycling Plastic Waste

The diagram above illustrates the theoretical framework for integrating HDPE
(High-Density Polyethylene) into asphalt mixtures, aimed at improving both
durability and sustainability. According to this framework, the process begins
with Plastic Waste Management, which focuses on addressing the growing issue
of plastic waste and finding effective ways to recycle it. The next step, Use of
HDPE in Asphalt, involves incorporating recycled HDPE plastic into asphalt
mixtures, providing a way to repurpose waste materials in a practical
application. This leads to Improved Durability, meaning the asphalt becomes
stronger and more resistant to wear, which helps roads last longer. A significant
outcome of this is Cracking Resistance, where the asphalt becomes less prone to
cracking under the stress of traffic and weather conditions. In turn, this
contributes to Enhanced Sustainability, as using recycled HDPE reduces the need
for new materials, cuts down on environmental pollution, and lowers the carbon
footprint of asphalt production. Ultimately, this process helps achieve
Environmental Impact Reduction by minimizing plastic waste in landfills and
reducing the extraction of natural resources, while promoting Recycling Plastic
Waste, aligning with global sustainability goals and encouraging the circular
economy.
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Material preparation:  Mixing  Ductility

 Heating  Durability
 Polystyrene
 Melting  Penetration
Polyethylene
SADSA
 Curing
Bitumen
 DA
 Asphalt

Employing the variable dependent, variable independent, and variable

concept, here is the gist of the conceptual framework- to be able to establish
modified asphalt. The researchers considered the following factors: plastic waste
materials and alternative pavement without the use of concrete.
This concept demonstrates the casual relationship between the
independent variables and the dependent variables (materials and processes)
influence the dependent variables (properties of asphalt). Without proper
preparation and processing of the materials – polystyrene, polyethylene,
bitumen, and asphalt – the desired outcomes of improved ductility, durability,
and penetration cannot be achieved.
To achieve this, the researchers followed a systematic process. First,
materials such as polystyrene, polyethylene, bitumen, and asphalt were prepared.
Then, specific processes were carried out, including mixing, heating, mixing,
melting and curing, to integrate the materials effectively. Finally, the output was
evaluated by testing the ductility, durability, and penetration of the resulting
asphalt mixture, ensuring the desired properties were attained.
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This research aims to solve the waste material issue especially the
Styrofoam, since the pandemic began, the use of this materials are on demand for
packaging. The researchers want to use polyethylene and polystyrene as
additives to sustainable asphalt.
This study aims to answer the following questions:
 Could the process of mixing Styrofoam into asphalt negatively impact the
environment?
 What are the potential benefits of poly-materials to the asphalt?
 Will the components of additive materials can affects bitumen properties?
 Can the use of poly-materials extend the life span of asphalt compared to
the conventional method?
 In what construction purposes we can use the modified asphalt

HYPOTHESIS
Alternative Hypothesis
The components and properties of polystyrene and polyethylene into asphalt
mixtures significantly enhances the material’s performance characteristics compared
to conventional asphalt. Specially, it improves the asphalt’s durability, flexibility, and
resistance to deformation under varying loads and temperature conditions.
Additionally, using these materials as additives provides a sustainable solution for
reducing plastic waste, offering both environmental and economic benefits. This study
posits that the modified asphalt will outperform standard asphalt in both mechanical
properties and environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable and efficient
road construction practices.
Null Hypothesis
The addition of polystyrene and polyethylene to asphalt mixtures does not lead
to any statistically significant changes in the material's performance characteristics.
Specifically, there is no measurable improvement in the asphalt's durability,
flexibility, or resistance to deformation under varying loads and temperature
conditions. Furthermore, the inclusion of these plastics does not provide any
substantial environmental or economic benefits when compared to standard asphalt
mixtures. In this scenario, the properties and performance of the asphalt modified with
polystyrene and polyethylene would remain equivalent to those of conventional,
unmodified asphalt.
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study focuses on the incorporation of polystyrene and polyethylene into
asphalt mixtures to evaluate their effects on the material's properties. It includes the
preparation of asphalt samples with varying proportions of polystyrene and
polyethylene, testing their physical and mechanical characteristics such as stability,
flexibility, and resistance to deformation. The study aims to determine the optimal
percentage of these additives for improving the performance of asphalt while
addressing plastic waste management.

Delimitations:
1. The study is limited to the use of specific types of polystyrene and
polyethylene, sourced from post-consumer or post-industrial plastic waste.
2. It does not cover other types of plastics or additives that may also enhance
asphalt properties.
3. The testing and analysis are conducted in a controlled laboratory setting,
excluding field tests or long-term performance evaluations under real-world
conditions.
4. Economic assessments, such as cost analysis is not included in the scope of
this research.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The result of the study will benefits to the following:

Engineers – The findings will provide engineers with valuable insights that
can enhance their understanding about modified asphalt, leading to improved
design, implementation, and problem-solving strategies in their field. The study
may also offer new techniques or innovations that can be applied in
engineering practices.

LGU’s - This study can help LGUs in making informed decisions related to
recycling polymer materials to increase the positive effect of asphalt to their
community. The results may provide data or recommendations that contribute
to effective sustainable development, and the betterment of local communities.

Future Researchers - Future researchers will benefit from this study by using
its findings as a foundation for further investigation in related areas. It may
inspire new research questions or methodologies, helping to advance the field
and encourage deeper exploration of topics previously underexplored.
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Polyethylene – Also known as polythene or polyethene, is one of the most
commonly used
plastics in the world. Polyethylene usually have a linear structure and are known to be
addition polymers.
Polystyrene – a type of polymer that is transparent, rigid, brittle, and
moderately strong in its unmodified state. It is a plastic made by polymerization,
which combines the building block compound called styrene.
Asphalt - a mixture of aggregates, binder and filler, used for constructing and
maintaining roads, parking areas, railway tracks, ports, airport runways, bicycle lanes,
sidewalks and also play- and sport areas.
Bitumen – is a viscous substance that exists in a liquid to a semi-solid phase.
It has a blackish-brown color. It is generally composed of asphaltene resin and other
petroleum compounds. Different compositions of bitumen result in different
properties.

Ductility – is the physical property of a material associated with the ability to

be hammered thin or stretched into wire without breaking. A ductile substance can be
drawn into a wire.
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
FIRST CITY PROVIDENTIAL COLLEGE
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan