Innovative Asphalt Mixture with Recycled Plastic: Columbia, Missouri Pavement Repair Project

Capital's paving and asphalt production teams partnered with engineers from the University of Missouri, Dow Chemical, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to test an innovative approach: incorporating plastic waste into asphalt pavement mixtures. This collaboration exemplifies Capital's commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions, addressing the critical question: "How can we make an economical difference without sacrificing quality?"

The initiative began over two years prior to implementation, spearheaded by Bill Buttlar, the Glen Barton Chair in Flexible Pavements in the MU Department of Civil Engineering. Capital joined the collaboration as the paving contractor in late March 2021, bringing its nearby asphalt plant and core value of innovation to the team's environmental impact efforts.

The project involved creating an asphalt mixture incorporating a small ratio of plastic waste while meeting or exceeding specified performance standards. To evaluate the innovative mix's performance, controlled sections of traditional asphalt were laid for comparison, allowing assessment of durability under heavy traffic, summer heat, and freezing winter conditions.

Although the recycled plastic comprises less than 1% of the mixture, its impact is significant:

• Over 6 lane miles, the project utilized 10 tons of recycled materials.
• This is equivalent to approximately 1.36 million soda bottles.
• The initiative addresses a fraction of the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced globally each year.

This project represents a crucial step towards more sustainable road construction practices. Capital's involvement demonstrates its dedication to becoming part of the solution to global environmental challenges, particularly plastic waste management.

The Columbia pavement repair project showcases Capital's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. By collaborating with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders, Capital is paving the way for greener, more environmentally responsible infrastructure solutions. This initiative not only improves road quality but also contributes to reducing plastic waste, aligning with global efforts to create a more sustainable future.