A Preliminary Investigation on the Feasibility of Using a Newly Developed Dynamic Flexural Test to Assess the Fatigue Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures with Stranded Plastic Beads

Fatigue failure of asphalt pavement roads is getting increasingly rampant with the increasing climate impacts resulting in cracks and potholes. This is supported by many researchers on the subject matter. The specified asphalt mixtures intended for road construction are tested using various methods to quantify fatigue resistance. However, the advent of several reinforcing agents in asphalt mixtures calls for new testing approaches to quantify the fatigue resistance coming from these reinforcing agents. This study explores use of recycled waste plastics that are fabricated into stranded plastic beads as a reinforcing medium to enhance the asphalt layer’s fatigue strength. In this study SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) with a nominal aggregate size of 20 was selected as it provides a higher Voids in Mineral Aggregate for the plastic bead incorporation and interlocking as compared with the traditional dense graded asphalt mixtures. It is envisioned that the dual end beads with a link enhance the lateral resistance as the end beads get interlocked between compacted aggregates, allowing for better load distribution under heavy axle loads. A four-point dynamic bending testing jig was developed and integrated with a Universal Testing Machine to evaluate the ability of the bead system to resist flexural deformation through the interlocking SPB (Stranded Plastic Bead) system under variousloading conditions. The results showed that the SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) mixturesreinforced with SPB were able to resist flexural deformation under higher axle loads with longer rest durations with increased resistance from 11 to 22%. SMA20 with SPB effectively mitigated deflection and delayed crack propagation until it’s maximum load-bearing capacity. These findings make it a promising solution for sustainable road construction while simultaneously addressing the plastic waste crisis.