Investigating the Effect of Using Cross-Linked Polyethylene Waste as Fine Aggregate on Mechanical Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is an appropriate insulating material for high-voltage cables which has been widely used as electrical cable coating. In this study, Crushed XLPE wastes with different volume percentages (25, 50, and 75%) were used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) as a substitute for fine aggregates remained on sieve no. 8 whose size varies from 1.18 to 2.36 mm. The dynamic stiffness (indirect tensile test) and fatigue test (indirect tensile fatigue test) were used to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the asphalt mixtures at temperatures of 5 and 25°C. The moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixtures was also evaluated by Marshall stability ratio (MSR). The results showed that using crushed XLPE wastes as aggregates enhanced the fatigue life and resilient modulus of asphalt mixtures at 5°C. Also, increasing the XLPE content resulted in further enhancement in the resilient modulus and fatigue life at this temperature. However, as XLPE content increased at temperature of 25°C, the resilient modulus and fatigue life were reduced. Moreover, the MSR values showed that XLPE specimens exhibits an appropriate reaction against moisture resistance.