Evaluation on the use of COVID-19 single-use face masks to improve the properties of hot mix asphalt

Abstract

With the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the spread of this virus, the use of medical equipment, like 3-layerface masks, has increased dramatically. The proliferation of polymer-based face masks has become an environmental problem as ittakes years to completely decompose. The lack of proper management and collection causes environmental pollution. Therefore,considering the polymer base of the face masks and with the aim of improving the asphalt mixtures, in this article, the face mask andits different layers are added to the asphalt mixtures in 4 different weight percentages and in two different sizes, and Marshall test,Resilient modulus, Indirect tensile, Moisture damage, Rutting and Fatigue test were performed on the samples. The experimentalresults show that the addition of these materials to the asphalt mixtures improves the performance of asphalt and 12mm long fibersyielded better results than the results of 8mm long fibers. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.