The Usability of Polymethyl Methacrylate in Marshall Samples for Asphalt Pavements Using in Railway Supplementary Layers


Kaya F., Aslan Ş., Fahad M., Madarász K., Rosta S., Nagy R., ...More

in: Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Cognitive Mobility, Máté Zöldy, Editor, Springer, London/Berlin , Budapest, pp.34-45, 2025

  • Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Publisher: Springer, London/Berlin 
  • City: Budapest
  • Page Numbers: pp.34-45
  • Editors: Máté Zöldy, Editor
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In today's world, construction and infrastructure projects necessitate innovative solutions in environmental sustainability and materials engineering. In this context, research efforts to improve the properties of asphalt mixtures, reduce environmental impacts, and contribute to recycling hold great significance. This study focuses on modifying stone mastic asphalt mixtures with waste material derived from Polymethyl Methacrylate. Using Polymethyl Methacrylate as waste plastic material represents a significant step forward in recycling and sustainable material usage. In the study, Marshall specimens were obtained using Polymethyl Methacrylate in different proportions in bitumen and aggregate. The results of the Marshall specimens were evaluated to determine the usability and optimum ratios of Polymethyl Methacrylate. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Polymethyl Methacrylate on stone mastic asphalt mixtures as a support layer in railway tracks to help reduce noise and vibration. The results demonstrate that varying concentrations of Polymethyl Methacrylate in both aggregate and bitumen significantly alter the mechanical and thermal properties of the asphalt. For instance, incorporating 2.5% Polymethyl Methacrylate in the aggregate increased the VMA to 21, resulting in VFA values of 66. Furthermore, using Polymethyl Methacrylate in the aggregate increased the asphalt samples’ height, ranging from 69 to 72 mm. These findings underscore the effectiveness and feasibility of Polymethyl Methacrylate in sustainable asphalt projects. Following highway technical specifications, incorporating Polymethyl Methacrylate in specific proportions in stone mastic asphalt mixtures can enhance their performance, representing a significant step towards sustainable road construction. However, when the concentration of Polymethyl Methacrylate in the bitumen increased, the bitumen formed deteriorated. Therefore, using waste Polymethyl Methacrylate between 4% and 5% can be considered suitable for improving the properties of bitumen against sustainability and temperature concerns.