Studies on the Durability of Plastic Pavers Tested on a Roadway in the City of Kinshasa in the DRC

Objectives: In the City of Kinshasa, most of the roads are unpaved and public transport poses enormous problems. This study, carried out with the assistance of the Office of Roads and Drainage (OVD), experiments with the adaptation of paving stones resulting from the recycling of thermoplastic waste following the formula defined by the Laboratory of Biotechnology, Technology and Environmental Microbiology (LBTME) of the University of Kinshasa for the production of good paving stones: 65% fine sand against 35% thermoplastic waste.

Research Design: The study is subdivided into six parts: introduction, study environment, materials and methods, results, discussion and conclusion.

Location and Duration: The study was carried out on the section of Belgika street between Kabambare and Croix-rouge streets/municipality of Barumbu/city of Kinshasa from April 2, 2012 to June 7, 2020.

Methodology: We carried out three tests: resistance, test board and adhesion. We also carried out an investigation targeting local residents and the OVD authorities.

Results: The Resistance Test: 13 N/mm², a better average value compared to the pavers stored at the OVD (10 N/mm²). This strength value is crucial for understanding the behavior of materials under different loads, which is essential for the design and analysis of structures in engineering. Testing the test boards: good adaptation of the pavers without breakage, otherwise some disturbances in certain places due to the sagging of the foundation layer and the frame edges. The grip test carried out at an average speed of 85 km/h for an average braking distance of 7.3 m did not break any blocks.

Conclusion: It is demonstrated that plastic pavers have shown their durability and importance for the construction of secondary and tertiary roads in the City of Kinshasa compared to bitumen and concrete and therefore deserves particular attention.