Samenvatting

Addressing the challenges of road construction in high-temperature regions, this research focuses on the technical and economic comparison between traditional asphalt pavement and recycled plastic asphalt pavement.
The overarching research question is: “Technical and economical comparison of traditional asphalt pavement with recycled plastic asphalt pavement in high-temperature regions”.

Although existing studies show that asphalt performance can be enhanced by including waste plastic, there is limited research comparing these two types of pavements directly regarding their performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Technical benefits of using recycled plastics in asphalt pavements include improved rutting resistance, enhanced shear strength, increased cohesive behavior, and better chemical and fatigue resistance. Environmentally, it reduces plastic waste and conserves non-renewable resources. Innovative construction techniques, such as using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and incorporating waste materials, further enhance sustainability.

The research concludes that recycled plastic asphalt pavement is superior economically and technically. It is cheaper in the long run, with lower maintenance costs and favorable Net Present Value (NPV) and Equivalent Annual Cost (EAC) compared to traditional asphalt. Technically, it is more durable, and stable, and performs better in high-temperature regions. However, limitations include the need for more research on aging characteristics and regional material availability. Future research should address these areas for a comprehensive understanding of recycled plastic in asphalt pavements.