PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH PLASTIK POLIPROPILENA SEBAGAI BAHAN MODIFIKASI ASPAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN KETAHANAN PERKERASAN JALAN

Abstract

The increasing volume of polypropylene (PP) plastic waste in Indonesia, unmatched by adequate recycling systems, combined with premature asphalt pavement damage caused by traffic loads and tropical climate conditions, motivated this study to examine the effect of waste PP as an asphalt modifier on pavement durability. This study employed a quantitative experimental approach using the wet-process method, in which waste PP was blended into 60/70 penetration-grade asphalt at contents ranging from 0% to 10% by weight of asphalt, followed by Marshall testing, wheel tracking testing, and immersion testing. The results showed that PP addition significantly increased Marshall stability up to an optimum content of 6% (from 850 kg to 1,250 kg), increased dynamic stability by up to 93% at 8% content, and increased the Residual Strength Index to 92% at 6% content. Beyond these levels, mixture performance declined due to reduced compatibility and increased air voids. This study concludes that waste PP has strong potential as an effective asphalt modifier for enhancing pavement durability while simultaneously offering a sustainable plastic waste management solution, with an optimum content recommended within the range of 5-7% by weight of asphalt.