Analysis of Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course (AC-WC) with Additives Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Abstract

Flexible pavement, particularly Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course (AC-WC), requires adequate mechanical and volumetric performance to withstand traffic loading and environmental exposure. This study evaluates the performance of AC-WC incorporating Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) as polymer additives and identifies the best-performing mixture composition. An empirical experimental design was applied through controlled laboratory testing using Styrofoam contents of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8% and PVC contents of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. Mixture performance was evaluated using Marshall Stability, Flow, Marshall Quotient (MQ), Void in Mix (VIM), Void in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), and Void Filled with Asphalt (VFA). The results identified Sample 2, containing 4% Styrofoam and 2% PVC, as the best-performing composition. The mixture achieved a Stability of 3040.27 kg, Flow of 3.00 mm, MQ of 608.05 kg/mm, VIM of 3.60%, VMA of 16.43%, and VFA of 89.15%. These values satisfied the adopted AC-WC requirements and demonstrated more favorable mechanical and volumetric characteristics than the conventional mixture. The findings indicate that the tested combination of Styrofoam and PVC can enhance AC-WC performance under controlled laboratory conditions. This modification particularly improved load-bearing capacity, deformation response, and internal mixture characteristics. The results provide an empirical basis for further development of polymer-modified AC-WC mixtures for sustainable pavement applications.