Marshall evaluation of asphalt mixtures modified with recycled PVC for heavy-traffic pavements

Resumen

The deterioration of Honduras’ road network and the large share of unpaved roads support the need for technically sound and environmentally beneficial maintenance alternatives; reports indicate that ~77% of the network is unpaved and ~2,000 km of asphalt pavement is deteriorated. This study proposes a hot-mix asphalt modified with recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and evaluates its performance for heavy-traffic applications. The experimental program was based on the Marshall method (stability and flow), complemented with aggregate gradation, specific gravity measurements, and air-voids analysis. A total of eight 1200 g Marshall specimens were prepared with 5% asphalt binder: three control specimens (no PVC) and five PVC-modified specimens using 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% PVC as aggregate. Results indicate that all PVC-modified specimens exceeded the minimum stability requirement for heavy traffic (≥8 kN), while the conventional mix exhibited higher stability overall. An optimum PVC content of 4.6% (at 5% binder) was computed, with corrected Marshall stabilities (PVC) ranging from 10.85 to 13.17 kN, compared with 15.52–18.36 kN for the control mix. Overall, the PVC-modified asphalt is a technically feasible alternative for heavy traffic, adding environmental value through plastic-waste reutilization.