Sustainable Technologies Applied to Asphalt Paving by Reusing Polymeric Waste

Countries of the Global South such as Mexico need to modernize their transport infrastructure to be increasingly competitive internationally. A resilient infrastructure promotes sustainable industrialization and encourages innovation. Two key objectives were identified: To develop reliable, sustainable, resilient, and quality infrastructure, including regional and cross-border infrastructure, and to support economic development and human well-being. To modernize the infrastructure and reconvert the construction industry, the adoption of clean and environmentally friendly technologies and industrial processes is proposed. In arid and semi-arid zones, the intense and prolonged periods of drought and erratic rainfall, as well as strong temperature variations, alter the road durability and resistance, and their maintenance requirements. That is why the asphalt concrete used in these areas must consider durability, resistance to cracking, low road noise, and low environmental impact. An area of opportunity that stands out here is the recycling of materials as an option to reduce the consumption of virgin materials, which impacts costs and maintenance. In this work, the properties of asphalt concrete modified with recycled polymeric waste were reviewed. A compilation of information is included that contemplates asphalt and concrete evaluation strategies through conceptual frameworks of sustainability, environmental impact, and circular economy for new road networks. It is concluded that recycled polymeric materials are a sustainable alternative to asphalt.