The use of recycled waste elastic materials provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for further modifying the performance of asphalt mixtures. Therefore, the effects of different proportions of (PMMA) polymethyl methacrylate derived from waste plastic material were evaluated using the Indirect Tensile Strength Test (ITST) of lab-prepared specimens. Since numerous methods of modifying the conventional asphalt binder are available, in this research, the virgin binder was modified with 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% PMMA for evaluating optimum performance proportions in terms of Marshall stability and ITST of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, stiffness modulus tests were performed at frequency values of 1.2 Hz, 1.9 Hz, 3.9 Hz and 5 Hz. The effect of the loading rate from 10 MPa/s to 70 MPa/s was evaluated with an increment of 10 MPa/s for all proportions. Moreover, finite element modeling was performed using the data obtained from dynamic modulus tests with modified Burger's Logit model for evaluation of rutting progression. Results show improved performance of asphalt mixtures with the addition of PMMA, leading to variation in properties including penetration, softening point, Marshall stability and rutting resistance. It is recommended to use 5% PMMA for increased indirect tensile strength, Marshall stability, rutting and fatigue damage resistance.

In today's world, construction and infrastructure projects necessitate innovative solutions in environmental sustainability and materials engineering. In this context, research efforts to improve the properties of asphalt mixtures, reduce environmental impacts, and contribute to recycling hold great significance. This study focuses on modifying stone mastic asphalt mixtures with waste material derived from Polymethyl Methacrylate. Using Polymethyl Methacrylate as waste plastic material represents a significant step forward in recycling and sustainable material usage. In the study, Marshall specimens were obtained using Polymethyl Methacrylate in different proportions in bitumen and aggregate. The results of the Marshall specimens were evaluated to determine the usability and optimum ratios of Polymethyl Methacrylate. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Polymethyl Methacrylate on stone mastic asphalt mixtures as a support layer in railway tracks to help reduce noise and vibration. The results demonstrate that varying concentrations of Polymethyl Methacrylate in both aggregate and bitumen significantly alter the mechanical and thermal properties of the asphalt. For instance, incorporating 2.5% Polymethyl Methacrylate in the aggregate increased the VMA to 21, resulting in VFA values of 66. Furthermore, using Polymethyl Methacrylate in the aggregate increased the asphalt samples’ height, ranging from 69 to 72 mm. These findings underscore the effectiveness and feasibility of Polymethyl Methacrylate in sustainable asphalt projects. Following highway technical specifications, incorporating Polymethyl Methacrylate in specific proportions in stone mastic asphalt mixtures can enhance their performance, representing a significant step towards sustainable road construction. However, when the concentration of Polymethyl Methacrylate in the bitumen increased, the bitumen formed deteriorated. Therefore, using waste Polymethyl Methacrylate between 4% and 5% can be considered suitable for improving the properties of bitumen against sustainability and temperature concerns.

This research investigates the application of plastic fiber reinforcement in pre-tensioned reinforced concrete railway sleepers, conducting an in-depth examination in both experimental and computational aspects. Utilizing 3-point bending tests and the GOM ARAMIS system for Digital Image Correlation, this study meticulously evaluates the structural responses and crack development in conventional and plastic fiber-reinforced sleepers under varying bending moments. Complementing these tests, the investigation employs ABAQUS’ advanced finite element modeling to enhance the analysis, ensuring precise calibration and validation of the numerical models. This dual approach comprehensively explains the mechanical behavior differences and stresses within the examined structures. The incorporation of plastic fibers not only demonstrates a significant improvement in mechanical strength and crack resistance but paves the way for advancements in railway sleeper technology. By shedding light on the enhanced durability and performance of reinforced concrete structures, this study makes a significant contribution to civil engineering materials science, highlighting the potential for innovative material applications in the construction industry.

Szigetköz, a large island in the Hungarian Upper Danube, features unique gravel subsoils ranging from 10 to 600 m thick. The region’s groundwater levels, profoundly influenced by the Danube’s flow, are crucial for drinking water, irrigation, flood retention, and ecosystem functioning. Groundwater levels also impact topsoil moisture, affecting agriculture and forestry. Throughout the 20th century, human interventions, such as river regulation and hydropower plants, disrupted the groundwater balance in Szigetköz. Over the past three decades, water replenishment systems have been implemented to mitigate these effects and restore natural water levels. This study analyses long-term groundwater data from the 1950s until 2022, utilizing over 50 monitoring wells to map fluctuations in groundwater levels. For three periods, decadal, annual, and seasonal groundwater level analyses revealed the impacts of human intervention and the impacts of revitalization. Results of this study show that in the crucial spring and summer seasons, particularly in the vulnerable central regions of Szigetköz, the water table has been elevated by an average of 20-30 cm, recovering more than one-third of the water level reduction caused by the Danube’s diversion. However, in the winter period, groundwater levels dropped further in the last 30 y in the upper areas of Szigetköz. These partly unexpected insights highlight the need for further investigations to identify the main drivers of groundwater level dynamics, including studying the effect of bed clogging and the possible consequences of restoring the water levels of the Old Danube.