Papers by Johan O'Connell
Construction and Building Materials
There are several limitations in the traditional methods used for predicting and characterising t... more There are several limitations in the traditional methods used for predicting and characterising the properties of bituminous binders and asphalt mixes in South Africa. This paper presents limitations of the rolling thin-film oven test protocol to accurately simulate short-term ageing of the in situ binder of the asphalt mix given current logistics challenges and different asphalt processing conditions within the country. Other important issues such as the use of empirical properties to monitor the ageing of different binder types, and the use of uncontrolled shear rate viscosities to determine the viscosity of bitumen at elevated temperatures are thoroughly discussed. The paper explores the consequences of misleading predictions of binder and mix properties due to limitations found in the existing test methods especially when applied to polymer modified binders.
Books by Johan O'Connell
The Sustainability Handbook: Volume 03, 2021
The development of the local end-use market for waste plastic is crucial to increasing South Afri... more The development of the local end-use market for waste plastic is crucial to increasing South Africa’s plastic recycling rates, especially for low-value, problematic plastic fractions, such as polyolefins consisting mainly of polyethylene and polypropylene. The use of recycled and/or alternative materials such as plastics in road construction is beneficial not only in terms of sustaining the environment, since naturally occurring materials will be conserved but as a means of reducing construction costs. Recycled plastics are being investigated worldwide not only as a green investment, but also for improved pavement durability (Milad et al., 2020). The objectives of the study were to screen, evaluate and implement existing international technologies in line with South African design standards and specifications for materials in road construction. The main research question was whether low value
waste plastics can be optimised as alternative road construction materials in South Africa.
Uploads
Papers by Johan O'Connell
Books by Johan O'Connell
waste plastics can be optimised as alternative road construction materials in South Africa.
waste plastics can be optimised as alternative road construction materials in South Africa.