The College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, witnessed the public discussion of the master’s student Samara Hlew Beshet, in the Department of Civil Engineering, on her thesis entitled “Evaluating the performance of hot asphalt mixture using polyethylene polymer modified asphalt” on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in Dr. Khaled Shaker Hall, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Roaa Hamed Latief.

This study investigates the effect of Polyethylene polymers in granular and crushed form on the characteristics of asphalt mixtures. To confirm this, two types of PE, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene, are used to modify the asphalt mixture. The current study focused on examining the mechanical properties, volumetric characteristics, moisture damage resistance, and rutting resistance. Three methods have been used to incorporate PE into asphalt mixtures: the first wet method, the second dry method, and the third semi-wet method. The asphalt mixtures modified with polyethylene polymer achieved better results compared to unmodified mixtures. High-density polyethylene performed better than low-density polyethylene. The optimal percentage for using polyethylene was 6%, and the wet method achieved the best results compared to other methods.

Based on these results, it is recommended that future studies expand the research to include the effect of different proportions of polyethylene on the behavior of asphalt mixtures and research different addition methods to improve the performance of asphalt mixtures. After the scientific discussion by the honorable members of the discussion committee and listening to the researcher’s defense and evaluation of the thesis, the researcher obtained a master’s degree in civil engineering/road and transportation engineering.

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