COVENANT JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (CJET), VOL. 8, NO.2, DECEMBER 2024; DOI: XXX XXXX XXX Received: 08.05.2024 Revised: 04.09.2024 Accepted: 04.09.2024 Published: 05.09.2024 Abstract: In recent time, more polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic are produced than what is currently being recycled, that contributes to the volume of waste. This occurrence prompted the exploration of polymer modified bitumen (PMB) to address the waste concern and thereby cuts cost in bituminous mix and improves pavement performance. This research evaluated the strength properties of asphalt mixture produced with polyvinyl chloride modified bitumen. Marshall method of mix design was used in the production of hot mix asphalt (HMA). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDS), used for microstructural examination and elemental analysis. These materials conform with its physical properties and characteristics. The shredded, grinded plastic revealed high binding properties when blend with bitumen. The percent incorporated was 2 - 10% PVC content and the Optimum Bitumen Content obtained was 10%, at 9.57kN for stability. The modified bitumen for penetration recorded at 68mm, which conformed with 60/70 grade bitumen, softening point recorded at 52oC, ductility was recorded at 107cm, specific gravity at 1.02, flash and fire point at 294oC and 306oC, solubility at 97% respectively. The properties were satisfactorily for grade 60/70 bitumen at 4% PVC by weight and be used as bitumen modifier for heavy traffic condition. Polyvinyl Chloride modified at 8 - 10%, be used at cold climates, while 2, 4, 6% PVC modified be used in warm regions. Therefore, the experiment proved these materials with characteristics, stability and stiffness be used for pavement constructions. Keywords: Bitumen, hot mix asphalt, modified, polyvinyl chloride, pavement materials, strength properties 1. INTRODUCTION ne of the many ways of strengthening the performance of bitumen is to blend it with synthetic polymers, which can be either virgin or waste polymer. The modification of bitumen changes the bitumen resulting to an improved quality required for specific construction purposes [1]. Historically bitumen is known as one of the oldest construction materials dating back over 5000 years. The three good basic properties of bitumen are its ability to function as a cementing agent, its waterproof and thermoplastic nature, necessary for use in flexible pavement application and roofing needs. Bitumen can be liquefied by heating, applied in the liquid state, and it becomes solid cement again upon cooling, [2]. Elemental analysis shows that bitumen contains carbon (82-88 %), hydrogen (8-11%), Sulphur (0-6 %), oxygen (0-1.5 %) and nitrogen (0-1%). The last three elements may have considerable effect on bitumen properties, [2, 3]. Classified that bitumen as consisting of two chemical groups called asphaltenes and maltenes. The modification of polymeric material which are considered in enhancing the pavement strength and its properties for better performance on roads surface, [4]. Flexible pavement is referred to as an asphalt concrete pavement, which is a mixture of, aggregate and binder, a filler material, and bitumen combined in a carefully calibrated process to obtain a homogenous mix capable of being placed and compacted. Flexible pavements are designed to bend and rebound with the subgrade. The design concept is to place sufficient layers of base and intermediate courses of pavement as to control the strains in the subgrade, that no permanent deflections result. The major function of wearing course of hot mix asphalt is to carry a load transmitted from traffic and spread to the base course, sub-base and subgrade within the acceptance strength of those layers. The constituent materials establish the main structural element of hot mix asphalt and it is selected carefully to ensure the ideal performance of pavement during the service life, [5, 6]. There are two areas that can improve the serviceability of a road surface. Either by applying a thicker bituminous mixture which increases the construction cost or using a bituminous A. A. Murana, Y. D. Amartey, *L. I. Abah, K. E. Ibedu, J. N. Bitrus Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria : abahlinus55@gmail.com; +(234)08064308573 Strength Properties of Asphalt Mixture Produced with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Modified Bitumen O