UNDERGRADUATE FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT

Department of Civil Engineering

NED University of Engineering and Technology

PERFOMANCE EVALUATION OF
FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT USING
POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET)

Group Number: G-53 Batch: 2019

Group Member Names:

MUHAMAMD ALI WARIS KHAN CE- 19182

NUMAIR SHARIF KHAN CE- 19201

SAMI-UL-HAQ CE- 19215

IRSHADULLAH CE- 19221

Approved by
……………………………………………………………………………………………...

Dr. Sajjad Ali

Assistant Professor
Project Advisor

© NED University of Engineering & Technology. All Rights Reserved – [August, 2023.]
 Author’s Declaration

We declare that we are the sole authors of this project. It is the actual copy of the
project that was accepted by our advisor(s) including any necessary revisions.
We also grant NED University of Engineering and Technology permission to
reproduce and distribute electronic or paper copies of this project.

Signature and Date Signature and Date Signature and Date Signature and Date

Muhammad Ali Numair Sharif IrshadUllah

Sami Ul Haq
Waris Khan Khan

CE-19182 CE-19201 CE-19215 CE-19221

wali6484 samiwardak01 irshadbarfi457

numairk007
@gmail.com @gmail.com @gmail.com
@gmail.com

II
 Certificate

This is to certify that the following students of Batch 2019 have successfully completed the final year
project in partial fulfillment of requirements for Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from
Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.

Group Number: G-53 Batch: 2019

Group Member Names:

MUHAMAMD ALI WARIS CE- 19182
KHAN NUMAIR SHARIF KHAN CE- 19201
SAMI-UL-HAQ CE- 19215
IRSHADULLAH CE- 19221

Project Advisor Chairperson

Dr. Sajjad Ali Prof. Dr. Abdul Jabbar Sangi

Assistant Professor Chairperson
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering

III
 Statement of Contributions

The literature review part is mostly carried out by IrshadUllah. However, all other students
also contributed to the literature review of the initial stages of the project. Material
preparation is majorly performed by Numair Sharif Khan. The laboratory testing is done by
all group members. The software part is majorly done by Sami Ul Haq. Data collection and
Interpretation of results are majorly done by Muhammad Ali Waris Khan. The Report
Writing and PowerPoint presentation is taken care of by all group members.

IV
 Executive Summary

Performance Evaluation of Flexible Pavement using Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

aims to assess the benefits and feasibility of incorporating PET in Flexible Pavement
as wearing course. Conventional Flexible Pavements often experience issues such as
rutting, cracking, and reduced durability due to traffic loads and environmental factors
etc. Incorporating PET in the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) can potentially enhance its
performance and extend its service life. PET is a thermoPlastic polymer commonly
used in the manufacturing of Plastic accessories - bottles are conman example. When
incorporated into Flexible Pavement, PET can enhance the pavement's mechanical
properties, such as its rutting susceptibility, fatigue resistance, and cracking. PET can
improve the pavement's resistance to permanent deformation caused by repeated
traffic loads, can enhance the pavement's ability to withstand repeated loading cycles
without developing cracks. PET waste material in pavement construction promotes
recycling and reduces environmental impact. Project outlines the object and its
execution to fulfill the project requirement. The project is based on the studies and
research of articles with their literature review, consists of all the references and
necessity for the project. Project was Laboratory-based project. There were samples
preparations for various tests, including Marshal Tests, Rutting Tests, Tests for
Asphalt, and Tests for Aggregates.The project comprises of the use of RCA with
Plastic as a modifier to the pavement. The project's conclusion has provided insights
into the effectiveness of PET in enhancing the performance of Flexible Pavement,
helping to address issues such as rutting, cracking, and durability while promoting
sustainable practices in pavement construction.

V
 Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the contribution of our project advisor Dr. Sajjad Ali in this project.
With immense gratitude, we would like to thank for their time, support and efforts in
the completion of the project. We would also like to thanks to all our teachers for their
guidance. We would further like to thank the Laboratories Staff, who guided and
helped us in performing Laboratory Testing with safety precautions.

V
 Dedication

We like to dedicate this work to our teachers, project advisors, mentors,

and especially our families for their immense support and guidance throughout our
lives.

V
 Table of Contents

Author’s Declaration............................................................................................II

Certificate............................................................................................................III

Statement of Contributions.................................................................................IV

Executive Summary..............................................................................................V

Acknowledgments................................................................................................V

Dedication...........................................................................................................VI

List of Figures.....................................................................................................IX

List of Tables........................................................................................................X

List of Abbreviations.........................................................................................XII

Similarity Index Report....................................................................................XIV

CHAPTER NO. 1..................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................1
1.1 Background.......................................................................................................1

1.2 Significance and Motivation...........................................................................2

1.3 Aims and Objectives.......................................................................................3

1.4 Report Outline...................................................................................................4

CHAPTER NO. 2..................................................................................................5

LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................5
2.1 Overview...........................................................................................................5

2.2 Utilization of Natural and Recycled Aggregate................................................6

2.3 Utilization of PET Modified Asphalt................................................................8

2.4 Eco Friendly Construction..............................................................................10

2.5 Summary.........................................................................................................11

V
 CHAPTER NO 3.................................................................................................13
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME.....................................................................13

3.1. General...........................................................................................................13

3.2 Materials..........................................................................................................13

3.2.1 Natural Aggregates (NA)........................................................................13

3.2.2 Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA)...................................................13

3.2.3 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)..........................................................14

3.3 Apparatus........................................................................................................14

3.3.1 Marshall Stability Test Equipment..........................................................14

3.3.2 Wheel Tracker.........................................................................................14

3.3.3 LA Abrasion Machine.............................................................................14

3.3.4 Rice Test Apparatus................................................................................14

3.4 Tests on Aggregates and Asphalt Materials....................................................14

3.5 Asphalt Optimization......................................................................................14

3.6 PET Optimization...........................................................................................15

3.7 Rutting Test.....................................................................................................15

3.8 Preparation of Samples...................................................................................15

3.8.1 Marshal Specimens..................................................................................15

3.8.2 Rutting Specimens...................................................................................15

3.9 Preparation of Mixture....................................................................................15

3.10 Theoretical Maximum Specimen Gravity.....................................................16

3.11 Compaction of Specimen..............................................................................16

3.12 Stability and Flow Test.................................................................................16

3.13 Air Void Percentage......................................................................................18

3.14 Bulk Specific Gravity....................................................................................18

3.14 Methodology.................................................................................................21

CHAPTER NO. 4................................................................................................23

V
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS.......................................................................23
4.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................23

4.2 Results of Tests on Aggregate and Asphalt....................................................23

4.3 Result of Tests on Marshal Mix Samples.......................................................23

4.3.1 Effect on Air Voids.................................................................................23

4.3.2 Effect on Density.....................................................................................23

4.3.3 Effect on Stability....................................................................................23

4.3.4 Effect on Flow.........................................................................................24

4.4 Optimum Asphalt Content..............................................................................24

4.5 Effect of Plastic...............................................................................................24

4.6 Results.............................................................................................................25

4.6.1 Graphical Interpretation of Results.........................................................35

4.6.2 Optimum Asphalt with Addition of PET................................................39

CHAPTER NO. 5................................................................................................42

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................42

5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................42

5.2 Recommendations...........................................................................................42

REFERENCES....................................................................................................43

ANNEXURE.......................................................................................................46

I
 List of Figures

Figure 3.1 Flow Chart of Progress of Work.................................................................21

Figure 4.1 Rutting Specificity of Different Mix at OAC............................................35
Figure 4.2 Percentage of Air Voids for Different Asphalt Content.............................36
Figure 4.3 Stability Values for Different Asphalt Content..........................................36
Figure 4.4 Density Values for Different Asphalt Content...........................................37
Figure 4.5 Flow Values for Different Asphalt Content................................................38
Figure 4.6 Air Void Percentages for Opt. Asphalt Content with Different % PET....39
Figure 4.7 Stability Values for Opt Asphalt Content with Different % PET...............40
Figure 4.8 Density Values for Opt Asphalt Content with Different % PET................41
Figure 4.9 Flow Values for Opt Asphalt Content with Different Plastic Percentage. .41

I
 List of Tables
Table 3.1 Test of Aggregates.......................................................................................20
Table 3.2 Test of Asphalt.............................................................................................19
Table 3.3 Gradation Required for Sample...................................................................20
Table 3.4 Marshal Samples..........................................................................................22
Table 3.5 Rutting Samples...........................................................................................22
Table 4.1 Specific Gravity and Absorption Test on Aggregates.................................25
Table 4.2 Abrasion and Impact Test on Aggregates....................................................25
Table 4.3 Properties of Asphalt....................................................................................26
Table 4.4 Volumetric Properties at OAC (Compacted)...............................................27
Table 4.4 Volumetric Properties at OAC (Compacted) - Continued...........................29
Table 4.5 Volumetric Properties at OAC (Uncompacted)...........................................29
Table 4.6 Volumetric Properties at OAC with Variegating PET (%) - Compacted....30
Table 4.6 Volumetric Properties at OAC with variegating PET (%) - Compacted -
Continued....................................................................................................................32
Table 4.7 Volumetric Properties at OAC with Variegating PET (%) - Uncompacted
32 Table 4.8 Rutting Specificity of Different Mix at OAC (Average Rutt depth)......33
Table 4.9 Marshall Test Result.....................................................................................34
Annexure 1. Rutting Specificity of Different Mix at OAC (Firt Iteration).................46
Annexure 2. Rutting Specificity of Different Mix at OAC (Second Iteration)...........47
Annexure 3. Rutting Specificity of Different Mix at OAC (Third Iteration)..............48
Annexure 4. Volumetric Properties of HMA (Opt Asphalt Content)..........................49
Annexure 5. Volumetric Properties of HMA (Opt Plastic and Opt RCA)...................50
Appendix 6. Sample Grouping of Different Aggregates after Sieve Analysis...........51
Appendix 7. Oven used for loosing moisture within the Aggregates..........................52
Appendix 8. Molds for Marshal Testings...................................................................52
Appendix 9. Performing Marshall Tests......................................................................53
Appendix 10. Samples for Rice Tests..........................................................................53
Appendix 11. Making of HMA with addition of PET as a binder..............................54
Appendix 12. Perfoming Compaction Tests for Rutting Susceptibility Tests............54

X
Appendix 13. Mold for Rutting Susceptibility Test....................................................55

X
 List of Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
BS British Standards
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
HDPE High Density Polyethylene
HMA Hot Mix Asphalt
ITSM Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus
LDPA Low Density Polyethylene
OAC Optimum Asphalt Content
PET Polyethylene Terephthalate
RAP Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
RCA Recycled Concrete Aggregate
NHA National Highway Authority

XI
 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Following are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which the project is
targeting for the sustainable growth.

□ No Poverty
□ Zero Hunger
□ Good Health and Well being
□ Quality Education
□ Gender Equality
□ Clean Water and Sanitation
□ Affordable and Clean Energy
□ Decent Work and Economic Growth
 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
□ Reduced Inequalities
 Sustainable Cities and Communities

 Responsible Consumption and Production

□ Climate Action
□ Life Below Water
□ Life on Land
□ Peace and Justice and Strong Institutions
□ Partnerships to Achieve the Goals

XI
 Similarity Index Report

Following students have compiled the final year report on the topic given below
for partial fulfillment of the requirement for bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Project Title:Performance Evaluation Of Flexible Pavement Using Polyethylene

Terephthalate (PET)

S. No. Name Seat No.

1. Muhammad Ali Waris Khan CE-19182

2. Numair Sharif Khan CE-19201

3. Sami Ul Haq CE-19215

4. Irshad Ullah CE-19221

This is to certify that Plagiarism test was conducted on complete report, and
overall similarity index was found to be less than 20%, with maximum 5% from
single source, as required.

Signature and Date

..................................

Dr. Sajjad Ali

XI