The utilization of palm kernel shells and waste plastics in asphaltic mix for sustainable pavement construction

• Published in: Scientific African 2022-07, Vol.16, p.e01277, Article e01277
• Main Authors: Tagbor, Trinity Ama, Mohammed, Latifatu, Mohammed, Mutala, Bruce-Mensah, Margaret Mary, Tekpetey, Samuel, Armoo, Ekua Afrakumah, Adomah, Rejart, Arthur, Thomas David, Agyenim, Francis Boateng, Amoah, Joseph Yao, Laryea, Gabriel Nii, Serkan Kirghiz, Mehmet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggregate; Asphaltic mix; Marshall method; Optimum bitumen content; Palm kernel shells; Waste plastics
• ISSN: 2468-2276; 2468-2276
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01277

Natural aggregates are being depleted due to the high demand for road and building construction and need to be replaced with alternative materials. This study investigated the potential of using Palm kernel shells (PaKS) as a partial replacement for natural aggregates (NA) and waste plastics (WP) as a binder. The physical and volumetric properties of the different asphaltic mixes (AM) were assessed using the Marshall Method. The bitumen content of the mix design samples was varied from 4.0 % to 7.5 % of the total weight of aggregates utilized. According to the Marshall parameters, at 5.5 % bitumen content, the maximum Marshall Stability value of the different mix designs increased from 9.8 kN to 12.1 kN and the flow value increased from 3.0 mm to 3.7 mm. The experimental results based on the optimum bitumen content determined by the Marshall method demonstrate that PaKS and WP can be utilized to modify AM. However, additional tests will be needed to evaluate the use of this composition in road construction.