Styrofoam Waste as Bitumen Modifier in Hot Mix Asphaltic Concrete

The study investigates the potential use of Styrofoam waste (polystyrene) as bitumen modifier in
asphaltic concrete for road pavement construction. It aims to meet two distinct needs which are
to reuse plastic waste as well as protecting the environment and to improve the resistance of
bitumen which is prone to cracking or creep under extremes of temperature. The results will be
presented by the ability to produce homogenous and stable modified bituminous mixture and the
workability of the asphaltic concrete. Laboratory tests for bitumen which are Penetration Test,
Ductility Test and Softening Point Test were undertaken in order to evaluate the properties of the
modified bituminous blends of different Styrofoam waste content (0%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% by
weight of bitumen). Results showed that modified bitumen yields lower penetration value, very
minimum value of ductility and rise in softening point. Next, the performance of the asphaltic
concretes produce using the modified binders were evaluated through Marshall Stability Test and
result indicates that the performance increases up to 8% addition of Styrofoam content as
modifier.