Scipedia: Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Project Management

Evaluation of conventional behavior of bitumen containing PET plastic and HMA pavement response utilizing 3D-Move analysis software

Nahusenay Muluken Tessera — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:32:48 +0100

A well-developed road network provides good services for road consumers. Most roads in the world are flexible types of pavement. Bitumen has viscous-elastic properties and is very sensitive to temperature; it plays a vital role in producing hot mix asphalt and influences the performance of HMA pavement. Flexible pavements are linked to extreme temperatures, causing rutting and fatigue cracking. Pavement distress shortens service life and increases maintenance costs. This research focused on improving pavement resistance to distress by modifying the conventional properties of bitumen using alternative materials such as shredded PET plastic. In this study, two stages were applied. The first stage was collecting samples, and the second stage determined the conventional properties of bitumen by adding 3%, 6%, and 9% of shredded PET plastic to the bitumen. Penetration, ductility, and softening point tests were performed to analyze the conventional behavior of bitumen. Finally, top-down and bottom-up cracks are used to evaluate rutting damage, with 3D-Move analysis software that accounts for moving vehicles under various loads and speeds. From the conventional bitumen test, at 3% PET plastic added to the bitumen has no significant effect on the penetration grade, Ductility, and softening point. However, when 6% and 9% PET by weight of bitumen mixed, the penetration grade, ductility, and softening result become 49.3mm, 45.5mm, 97mm, 85mm, and 57mm and 62^oC, respectively compared with the penetration grade, ductility, and softening point value of unmodified bitumen (66.5mm, 142cm, and 48.9^oC). Besides, the 3D-Move Analysis software results show that asphalt binders with higher PET plastic content best resist the rutting damage, top-down, and bottom cracks.

Influence of Recycled Polyisobutylene and Ceramic Powder on the Mechanical Performance of Asphalt Binder at High Temperature

Emer T. Quezon — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 13:31:23 +0200

The application of industrial wastes, particularly polyisobutylene and ceramic powder, to asphalt has not been investigated. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the influence of these waste materials on the physical and rheological properties of bitumen using both conventional and Superpave tests. In this investigation, a polyisobutylene-ceramic powder was used as a modifier for bitumen with a penetration grade of 60/70 at concentrations of 0.0%, 0.7%, 1.4%, and 2.1% by weight. The results indicated that increasing the modifier content led to a significant drop in penetration and a decrease in asphalt ductility. Additionally, the softening point increased as the modifier content also increased. Furthermore, as the modifier concentration increases, the asphalt binder's stiffness increases at high temperatures, while the complex modulus master curve shows a low-frequency response. Similarly, a performance-based asphalt grading system demonstrated that modified bitumen at 0.7% and 1.4% enhanced the PG grades to 64°C and 70°C, respectively. As a result, this represents the increased resistance of modifiers to permanent pavement deformation.

Exploring the Socio-Economic impacts of various extension services on Public Infrastructures: A Qualitative Assessment

RALPH ANGELO ESTILLER — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:29:46 +0200

This study assesses the socio-economic impact of the extension projects conducted by the Civil Engineering Department as part of the "Integrated Engineering Services for Sustainable Agro-Industrial and Infrastructure Development" program from 2016 to 2020. Using a qualitative, multiple-case design, the research focused on facility assessments at two public schools, the construction of a vermicompost facility, and a rainwater harvesting system at a public gymnasium. Key findings demonstrate that the department's technical assistance led to measurable improvements in school infrastructure and safety, resulting in tangible cost savings for the beneficiaries. The findings were used to guide school development plans and secure project funding from the Department of Education. While the rainwater harvesting facility proved beneficial for daily operations, a critical gap in capacity and power resilience was identified for use during large-scale calamities. This study validates the strategic value of targeted university extension services and provides a model for future program enhancement and policy-making.

Evaluation of the Mechanical performance of HMA containing PET plastic and CHA as a filler material

Emer T. Quezon — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:04:23 +0200

In road construction, various materials are used in the production of hot mix asphalt (HMA). Among them, bitumen and filler materials play a major role in the mechanical behavior of HMA. Bitumen properties and filler material govern HMA pavement performance. HMA pavements are associated with extremely high-temperature and high-traffic volume conditions, which can cause rutting, fatigue cracking, and permanent deformation. Pavement distress shortens service life and increases maintenance costs. This research focused on enhancing pavement resistance to distress by modifying the properties of bitumen with Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic and utilizing alternative fillers, such as coffee husk ash (CHA). In this study, two phases were used. The first phase involved collecting samples, and the second phase consisted of three sub-phases. To design a material quality test, the first step was to develop a Marshal mix design and three types of mixtures: a mixture of normal HMA with SD filler, a mixture of normal HMA with CHA filler, and a combination of CHA filler and 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% PET plastic. Marshal mix was used to analyze the marshal and volumetric properties of HMA pavement. According to the Marshall test, the CHA filler exhibits better performance than the SD filler in HMA mixtures. At 6.8% optimum PET plastic higher stability (15.9KN) and density value (2.268g/cm³) and lower flow (2.96mm), VMA (14.83%), and VFA value (73.01%) as compared with unmodified bitumen of 14.30KN, 3.5mm, 2.256g/cm³, 15.62%, and 75.06% value respectively at 4% air void provided. Therefore, the evaluation showed that the HMA containing a combination of 6.8% PET plastic and 3.2% CHS filler shows better mechanical performance in terms of Marshall stability and the volumetric properties of HMA.

Bike Lane Project Implementation for Sustainable Transportation in Tuguegarao City: A Technical and Economic Perspective

Joylene D. Dayrit — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:38:33 +0200

The Philippines is perennially confronted with transport problems, with 11.7 million registered vehicles resulting in highly congested, poorly mobile roadways. In line with the Philippine Development Plan, which focuses on creating intermodal terminals and sheltered bike lanes to promote sustainable transportation, this study examines the technical and financial feasibility of implementing bike lanes within Tuguegarao City. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study assessed current road conditions and traffic flow and collected insights from stakeholders. The qualitative data were collected using structured survey questionnaires, while the quantitative analysis used traffic volume data to calculate the level of service (LOS). The findings show that health and environmental benefits motivate bicycle use, while the lack of dedicated lanes and safe parking spaces discourages its adoption. However, there is high public support for bike lane implementation (mean rating: 4.48). Infrastructure constraints suggest that upgrading should precede construction. LOS results (B and D) confirm the viability of shared roads to improve traffic performance. Economic analysis also showed that the cost of bicycle investments can be recouped in 14 months through transportation benefits. These results indicate a high level of public desire to transition to cycling, provided that facilitating infrastructure and safe, dedicated cycling lanes are in place.

Effect of Silt and Clay Contents in Natural Sand on the Compressive and Flexural Strengths of Standard Grade Concrete

Emer T. Quezon — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:26:35 +0200

Natural river sand is often contaminated with varying quantities of silt, clay, and other organic impurities that adversely affect the quality of concrete. This research investigates the effects of silt and clay content on the compressive and flexural strengths of standard grade concrete. Sand samples were purposively collected from three locations, Site A, B, and C, while a control sample with slight impurities was obtained from Site D. Concrete cubes and beams using the same cement, coarse aggregate, and water ratios were tested at 14 and 28 days. The control sample obtained a compressive strength of 24.89 MPa, while the samples with 3, 4, 5, and 6 silt and clay attained 21.63, 17.18, 17.07, and 13.61 MPa, respectively. Flexural strengths follow a similar pattern, with only the control sample satisfying the minimum standard requirements. Results showed that increasing the silt and clay content decreases the compressive and flexural strengths. Hence, proper testing and washing to remove contaminated fine aggregates is strongly recommended prior to use in construction.

Total Quality Management and Organizational Performance in Tuguegarao City’s Construction Industry

Emer T. Quezon — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 12:18:44 +0200

In 2024, Tuguegarao City recorded its lowest economic growth. Recognizing the construction industry’s vital role in driving development, this study explored the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) on the organizational performance of local construction companies. Data were collected through a standardized survey administered to 20 respondents. Most participating companies had been in operation for 5 to 10 years and held small to medium-sized Inter-Agency Committee licenses. Findings revealed a strong positive relationship between TQM practices and organizational performance, with Organizational Culture and Top Management Commitment and Leadership emerging as the most influential predictors. Multiple regression analysis showed that TQM practices accounted for 84.50% of the variance in performance. The study concludes that prioritizing these key TQM dimensions is crucial for enhancing performance and proposes a framework to facilitate the effective implementation of TQM in construction companies.

Level of Compliance of School Buildings on DepEd Order No. 6, S. 2021: A Basis for Policy Formulation

Emer T. Quezon — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 14:23:34 +0200

In developing educational infrastructure, adherence to regulatory standards is vital to ensuring safe, conducive learning environments. This study evaluated the compliance of public-school buildings in the DepEd Division of Tuguegarao with DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2021. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, researchers conducted actual observations with a structured tool patterned after the DepEd Order. They surveyed school physical facilities coordinators and school heads to measure awareness levels. Findings revealed varied levels of compliance across five building groups. Groups 1 and 3 recorded weighted means of 1.54 and 1.65, respectively, indicating non-compliance, whereas Groups 2 and 4 showed partial compliance, with weighted means of 1.68 and 1.83, respectively. Group 5 achieved better compliance with a mean of 2.57. Meanwhile, awareness levels among coordinators and school heads were high, ranging from 2.63 to 2.97. Interestingly, the study found significant negative correlations between compliance and awareness for non-donated buildings, particularly in stairways (-0.72871) and corridor railings (-0.68859). For donated buildings, however, little to no significant correlations were observed in classroom size, architectural features, plumbing, and structural components. Overall, the study highlights critical areas of non-compliance and the need for targeted improvements in school infrastructure.