The objective of this research is to develop a pavement design procedure that allows calibrating the design variables of asphalt pavements using regionalized conditions, to obtain efficient pavement performance for developing countries with limited resources and data. This study analyzes the roads of the state of Baja California, Mexico; where type structures are determined and the performance grade of the binder used in the manufacture of asphalt concrete is regionalized according to the weather conditions altitude, traffic, and quality of the available materials. In a complementary way, the economic incidence of pavements during its service life is analyzed, projecting the analysis with different pavement structures and damage coefficients. The results show that this approach favors the asphalt pavements that comply with the projected in its service life, reducing maintenance interventions and costs.

The feasibility of using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste in hot asphalt mixtures was analyzed, with particular focus on the rebound effect generated during compaction. Traditional asphalt mixtures without additives were evaluated alongside mixtures modified with varying percentages of HDPE waste (0.5%, 0.62%, 1%, 4%, and 5%) through the dry method. In this method, crushed HDPE was incorporated as an aggregate within the asphalt mixture structure, added prior to the introduction of the asphalt binder. Laboratory tests assessed compaction, specific gravity (Gmb and Gmm), void content, and resistance to permanent deformation via the Hamburg wheel tracking test. The results indicated that high percentages of HDPE (4% and 5%) triggered a rebound effect that hindered proper compaction of the mixtures, thereby compromising structural integrity. Conversely, mixtures with lower HDPE percentages (0.5% and 0.62%) exhibited better compaction, although they remained comparable to the traditional mixtures without plastic. In conclusion, HDPE does not constitute a viable option for enhancing the properties of asphalt mixtures at high percentages due to elastic behavior during compaction, which introduces densification irregularities. However, some benefits were observed in mixtures with low HDPE percentages, including improvements in stability and resistance to deformation. Nonetheless, these advantages are insufficient to justify replacing traditional asphalt mixtures.

The accumulation of plastic waste represents an environmental challenge that affects the construction industry, especially in road paving. In this context, the incorporation of recycled plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), was explored to develop more sustainable pavements. The objective of this research was to design and evaluate a replicable methodology to compare traditional asphalt mixtures with mixtures modified with HDPE. To this end, mixtures were prepared using the dry method and subjected to performance tests, including bulk specific gravity (GSB), maximum theoretical specific gravity (Gmm), air void content, and Hamburg wheel tracking test. The results showed that mixtures modified with HDPE exhibited less deformation and maintained porosity levels similar to conventional mixtures, although with a slight decrease in density. It is concluded that the proposed methodology facilitates the integration of recycled plastics into pavements, contributing to waste reduction and improved durability of road infrastructure.