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Recent Submissions
AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY ACT IN PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN UGANDA
(UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, 2025-12-12) MURUHURA COMFORT RUTAYA
This study explores the effectiveness of the Data Protection and Data Privacy Act in protecting the right to privacy in Uganda. The right to privacy is a fundamental human right enshrined in both international human rights instruments and national constitutions. In Uganda, the enactment of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, cap 97 marked a significant step in addressing emerging privacy challenges in an increasingly digital society. With the employment of the Doctrinal research method This dissertation critically examines the effectiveness of the Data Protection and Privacy Act in safeguarding the right to privacy in Uganda, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements, expanding digital surveillance, and data-driven governance in relation to one‟s right to privacy.
The study therefore explores regional, international and national legal, institutional, and practical frameworks on data protection and data privacy for instance the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Persona Data Protection (Malabo Convention) , assessing their adequacy in ensuring the protection of personal data and the enforcement of privacy rights, the rights of data subjects and the role of the different stake holders such as the Personal Data Protection Officer (PDPO). The dissertation looks into the several enforcement challenges and limitations integrated into the national, legal, institutional and policy frameworks. These challenges and limitations range from limited public awareness, weak penalties imposed by the law, inexperienced and incompetent data protection officers, political interference and lack of independence among others and how these challenges have negatively affected the enjoyment of the right to data privacy in Uganda. In conclusion the study highlights the critical need for consorted efforts in protecting and upholding the right to data privacy and protection in Uganda. It further gives several recommendations focused at integrating the legal and institutional structures for data protection that: promote public awareness by
applying countrywide campaigns to enhance interpretation of data protection rights, promote accountability by strengthening implementation mechanisms to make sure data controllers and processors act in accordance with DPPA including stricter oversight and penalties, support SME compliance by providing subsidies and simplified guidelines to allow small and medium enterprises adopt stable data practices, address technological challenges by improving cyber security infrastructure and mandate secure data storage to combat breaches and unaccredited access, revise legal provisions by amending the DPPA to clarify exemptions and strengthen penalties, combat surveillance by putting in place judicial oversight for surveillance activities and whistleblower protections to
escape abuse and ensure transparency and lastly provide financing for CSOs to increase advocacy by distributing resources to civil society organizations.
FINANCIAL LITERACY AND SAVING BEHAVIOR AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS: A CASE STUDY OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SSUMBWE VILLAGE.
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-02-19) Namanda Edith
This research study examined the relationship between financial literacy and saving behavior among primary school teachers in Ssumbwe village. The constructs of the independent variable were financial knowledge, financial attitude and financial self-control while the constructs of the dependent variable were investment, consumption and saving culture. The study employed a descriptive and cross-sectional research design, and the data was collected using structured questionnaires which were administered to the primary school teachers. There was a 100% response rate, receiving a total of 80 responses which were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression and Spearman’s correlation. The findings of this study revealed that primary school teachers exhibited moderate levels of financial literacy and saving behavior. Regression analysis further showed that 45.4% variation in saving behavior among primary school teachers happens as a result of financial literacy. The study concluded that financial literacy positively influences saving behavior and
recommendations were made to policy makers to incorporate financial literacy programs in teachers’ academic schedule in order to provide primary school teachers with more insights on proper financial management.
EVALUATING THE RUTTING RESISTANCE OF ASPHALT CONCRETE MODIFIED WITH ORGANO-PHILIC MONTMORILLONITE NANO-CLAY
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-10) GAMUKAMA MICHAEL
Asphalt pavements are required to have long-term performance and durability to keep highway traffic safe and protected from damage from serious failures such as rutting which is described as the permanent deformation of the pavement surface in the area of the wheel path (Huang, 2012).This was the primary reason this research was conducted based on the idea that OMMT could potentially be used to increase the mechanical and volumetric properties and, therefore, the rutting resistance of the asphalt mixture. Unlike previous studies that concentrated on using montmorillonite in its untreated form, this research investigated the use of surface-modified OMMT to improve OMMT compatibility with the bituminous binder. Results from the laboratory indicated that adding 1% OMMT by weight of aggregate achieved significant improvements in the asphalt mixture's Marshall Stability (17.2 kN) and Flow Value (3.6 mm) as well as the Air Voids Content (4.2%), Voids in Mineral Aggregate Value (15.3%), Voids Filled with Bitumen Value (72.4%), and Bulk Density Value (3.352).
A comprehensive literature review identified the mechanisms that cause rutting in pavements and evaluated the structural response of pavements to loading, and indicated that the physical and performance-related characteristics of the asphalt mixtures tested were adequate to meet asphalt pavement performance requirements and supported an increase in their deformation resistance. Additionally, the standard mechanical tests indicated that adding OMMT to the asphalt mixture hindered rutting and created a more uniform distribution of applied loads. These results suggest that the use of Binders that use Nanotechnology such as OMMT is a more efficient method to increase the load-carrying ability of Ugandan Highways, allowing them to last longer and reduce maintenance expenses.
Assessing the use of iron coated quartz sand in grey water treatment for reuse
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Nimusiima Editor
Soak pits remain the primary method of grey water disposal in many schools in Mukono. This method is effective for small volumes but inadequate due to the growing student population and expanding school activities thus leading to environmental risks like faster clogging and overflowing thus disease spreading. This research focused on identifying the quality and quantities of grey water in institutions specifically at St. Francis Borgia and going on to recover grey water as a valuable source that if recycled and reused for non-potable purposes like irrigation.
Local and low cost materials were suggested to be used in grey water treatment and quartz sand filters showed promising results. Experiments were made with plain quartz sand and treated quartz sand and results showed higher percentage of contaminant reduction (between 40% and 80%) with treated quartz sand. Based on results, there was a suggestion of design of treatment unit using treated quartz sand for adsorption and filtration of grey water to ensure it meets standards for which it is treated for.
Use of ferric chloride zeolites in ground water treatment at household level a case study of Kyabalogo Village, Nakisunga Sub-County
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Lubulwa Ivan Joseph
ABSTRACT
The issue of access to clean drinking water continues to be a great struggle in various
rural locations where the sources of groundwater are becoming more and more polluted
with heavy metals and other inorganic substances. At the same time, heavy metals such
as lead (Pb²⁺) and copper (Cu²⁺) are classified as hazards of the highest order due to their
toxic nature, persistence, and bioaccumulation (Tchobanoglous et al., 2014). A study on
water quality in Kyabalogo Village, Nakisunga Sub-county, Mukono District, Uganda,
indicated the existence of Pb and Cu in the spring water exceeding the tolerable limits
for drinking water. Therefore, the water cannot be used in households without prior
purification.
household level. The current work is focused on the application of natural zeolite as an inexpensive and
effective adsorbent to purify the spring groundwater by removing Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ at the
Previous literature shows that divalent heavy metals can be taken away
by zeolites by 80–95% via ion-exchange processes, where the ions of the heavy metals
Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in the solution replace the cations (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺) that are in the
zeolite lattice (Misaelides, 2011). The results of this research work are expected to
provide a cheap and an eco-friendly approach solution for the rural water treatment
community. (Wang & Peng, 2010).
ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF A WASTEWATER REUSE SYSTEM FOR NON-POTABLE APPLICATIONS
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) BWIRE PAUL WAFULA
This project addresses the problem of the high cost of using potable water to carry out low quality tasks such as flushing in toilets and urinals by offering a sustainable, yet environmentally friendly way of harnessing treated wastewater effluent for these non-potable applications. In this research, the quality of raw effluent from the UCU activated sludge treatment plant was assessed and determined. This information was then input into design calculations to design an effluent polishing system and a non-potable water distribution system. Uganda Christian University (UCU) purchases between 6000 to 7000 m3 of potable water from National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) on a monthly basis. This water is used to ensure smooth running university activities such as cleaning, cooking, drinking, and waste management. Studies show that about 20-40% of domestic water demand is consumed in toilet flushing and 50-70% of commercial water demand.
EVALUATING THE RUTTING RESISTANCE OF ASPHALT CONCRETE MODIFIED WITH ORGANO-PHILIC MONTIMORILLONITE NANO CLAY (OMMT)
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) ASONYA JOHN
The long term performance of asphalt pavements is a major consideration in
designing durable and safe road infrastructure, especially in low and middle income
countries where flexible pavements dominate due to their lower cost and ease of
maintenance. Rutting, a critical form of permanent deformation occurring in wheel
paths, remains one of the most detrimental pavement failures, contributing to
traffic accidents and accelerated deterioration. This study evaluated the
effectiveness of organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) Nano clay in improving the
rutting resistance of asphalt concrete by enhancing its mechanical and volumetric
properties. Unlike studies that use untreated montmorillonite, this research
employed OMMT to achieve better binder filler interaction and dispersion within the
asphalt matrix.
Marshall mix design results identified 1.0% OMMT by mass of aggregate as the
optimum dosage, producing a Marshall Stability of 17.2kN, Flow of 3.6mm, Air Voids
of 4.2%, VMA of 15.3%, VFB of 72.4%, and a bulk density of 3.352g/cm³. Indirect
tensile strength test confirmed that OMMT significantly reduces rutting susceptibility
by strengthening the binder phase and improving stress distribution within the
aggregate structure under heavy axle loading.
PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF COARSE AGGREGATES WITH PLASTIC POLYURETHANE (PPU) COATED VOLCANIC TUFF AS A LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) MWESIGWA ENOSON KALEMA
In this research, the applicability of plastic-polyurethane (PPU) coated volcanic tuff mixed with shredded PET plastics, as a partial substitute of traditional coarse aggregates in C25 structural concrete, was studied. It is about the necessity of low-density structural materials of Uganda and the shortage of volcanic tuff, which is naturally porous and therefore mechanically weak. It was tested using aggregate characterization and concrete testing with 0, 10, 20, and 30 percent replacement levels by the BS EN and ASTM standards.
PU coating made volcanic tuff much less absorptive and enhanced the integrity of the aggregate, yet the composite was still more porous than crushed rock. The higher the replacement the lower was the workability; hardened density declined by 3-12 percent, which is evidence of effective dead-load reduction. The rate of water absorption rose to an average extent, which is a characteristic of the microstructure of the composite. The results of compressive strength revealed that 10 percent replacement attained comparable strength at 28 days as the control mix and C25 requirements, but increased replacement percentages resulted in a gradual decline in strength.
ASSESSING THE USE OF ENHANCED SAND FILTER WITH BAMBOO ACTIVED GRANULES FOR TERTIARY TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER EFFLUENT.
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-10) KAYIIRA JOEL PAUL
Wastewater is a crucial component of the environment. With municipal wastewater that
contains organic matter which is harmful to both the environment and the people. High
levels of BOD5, TSS and phosphates present pose a risk on both aquatic life and to the
population if not properly handled as these deplete dissolved oxygen therefore need to
be treated to NEMA permissible limits of discharge. This study assessed the use of
bamboo activated carbon in the tertiary treatment of wastewater effluent from Lubigi
stabilization pond putting into consideration of the maturation pond as the wetland
130m downstream, the mean values of BOD5, TSS and orthophosphates were found to
be 100mg/L, 140mg/L and 43mg/L which higher than NEMA discharge limits of 50mg/L,
100mg/L and 5mg/L respectively. The study also evaluated the effectiveness of
activated carbon in waste water effluent treatment where its adsorption behavior was
described based on different depths of columns. The 30cm depth demonstrated the
highest percentage removals of BOD5 at 80%, TSS at 81% and Orthophosphates at 71%
which put the concentrations below the permissible limits.
ASSESSING THE SUITABLITY OF A WASTEWATER EFFLUENT REUSE IN APPLICATION OF NON-POTABLE USE
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) LOKWANG DOMINIC
This project addresses the problem of high-quality potable water being used to carry out low quality tasks such as flushing in toilets and urinals by offering an affordable, yet environmentally friendly way of harnessing treated wastewater effluent for non-potable applications. This research aims to assess the raw quality (physicochemical and microbiological characteristics) of treated wastewater effluent from the UCU wastewater treatment plant and treat it with reference to how it complies with established reclaimed water standards for use in toilet and urinal flushing. Uganda ChristianUniversity (UCU) purchases large volumes of potable water from National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) on a monthly basis. This water is used to ensure smooth running university activities such as cleaning, cooking, drinking, and waste management. Studies show that about 20-40% of domestic water demand is consumed in toilet flushing and 50-70% of commercial water demand (Ilemobade et al., 2012)
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF CEMENT KILN DUST QUARRY DUST ON THE STABILIZATION OF LATERITE SOILS
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Weere Jonathan
The research carried out according to this text was aimed at improving the properties poor grade laterite soils using Cement kiln dust and Quarry dust so as to match up to the required physical and mechanical properties of a G45 material for the subbase layer of a road. Lateritic soils are a leached residue formed by the natural process of laterization in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and are often used as materials for roads. The Cement kiln dust used was a waste product of the process of manufacture of cement and the quarry dust was derived from crushed granite stone. The laterite soils sampled in this research carried out were retrieved from Ntawo Borrow pit and were characterized by a very low California Bearing Ration (CBR), high plasticity index and high CBR swell. This report highlights the methodology followed to improve the quality of the soils to meet the required standards for a G45 material according to the MoWT general specifications for roads and bridge works. The different tests carried out provided satisfactory results in the blend where 15% cement kiln dust was used with 15 % quarry dust in which the California Bearing Ration was increased from 27% to 57%, the Plasticity index was reduced from 20.0% to 8.9%, and the CBR swell was reduced from 0.54% to 0.35%. These were all up to standards for a subbase material hence Cement kiln dust and quarry dust can indeed be efficiently used for stabilization of laterite soils. This is therefore an important research that incorporates industrial waste materials into construction of roads which promotes sustainability while also enhancing the strength of soil.
ASSESSING THE USE OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE ASH AND CEMENT KILN DUST IN COMPRESSED EARTH BRICKS (A CASE STUDY IN ADEKOKWOK SUB-COUNTY, LIRA DISTRICT)
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Ebal, Goodluck Jonathan
In Adekokwok sub-county, Lira district, the compressed earth bricks (CEBs) are subject to crack formation and brittleness due to the high absorption rate (9.55%) and low compressive strength (0.65 MPa). This is due to fine-grained laterite soils with a high silica content used in production. The main objective of this study was to determine the use of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and cement kiln dust (CKD) in compressed earth bricks in Adekokwok sub-county, Lira district. An experimental research approach was the methodology used in this study to determine the mix ratio of CKD and SBA that met the load-bearing requirements according to BS 3921:1985. Bricks were produced using a combination of soil with 2% increments from 0 to 10% for CKD and, in 5% increments from 0 to 25% SBA, to make CEBs of dimensions 205mm by 150mm by 70mm. They were cured for 28 days before undergoing strength and durability tests. The optimal proportion of 6% CKD and 10% SBA achieved a 28-day compressive strength of 5.1 MPa, exceeding the 5.0 MPa strength specified in BS 3921:1985. The 6% CKD + 10% SBA mixture enhanced bulk density values by 22.35% from 1382.09 kgm-3 to 1690.93 kgm-3, while decreasing water absorption values by 15.18%. Overall the durability parameters showed an improvement. According to BS 3921:1985, these CEBs are recommended for use in the construction of load-bearing walls as a masonry unit.
USE OF SOLANUM INCANUM FOR WATER TREATMENT AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL A CASE OF NAKYIJEERA SPRING IN NAMILYANGO VILLAGE KISENYI CELL
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) WANABADI PETER
Access to safe drinking water remains a challenge to residents of Kisenyi Cell in Namilyango Village where they mainly depend on water from the unprotected Nakyijeera spring. This spring revealed significant microbial contaminations with E.coli and total coliform levels exceeded the WHO and UNBS drinking standards. This study therefore was to investigate the effectiveness of Solanum incanum leaf extract as a natural, low-cost disinfectant for water at household level.
Raw water from Nakyijeera spring was analyzed for the physicochemical and bacteriological quality for both the wet and dry seasons. Solanum incanum leaves were dried and ground into fine powder, and a stock solution was prepared and examined. Contact time and optimum dosage experiments were conducted at intervals between 0-90 minutes and 0-100ml/l, respectively.
Results showed microbial reduction increased with an increase in contact time and dosage. The contact time was identified as 45 minutes, and the optimal dosage as 40ml/l, achieving 87.5% and 89% reduction for E.coli and total coliform while maintaining pH within acceptable limits. Higher dosage further reduced microbial counts but negatively affected turbidity, pH, and color.
ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF USING SISAL FIBER AS A REINFORCEMENT IN WOODCRETE
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Babirye Esther Kirule
Assessing the suitability of sugar cane bagasse ash in inhibiting spalling in reinforced concrete
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-09) Kasulane Mark Alvin
Reinforced concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials due to its durability and strength, but it faces challenges when continuously penetrated by water, which corrodes the reinforcing concrete bars, leading to subsequent spalling, or the loss of concrete cover.
The research examined the use of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), an agricultural waste product, as a partial replacement of cement to improve the durability of reinforced concrete with particular emphasis on the prevention of spalling caused by corrosion. Physical and chemical properties of SCBA were determined through laboratory tests, the influence on the characteristics of both fresh and hardened concrete was evaluated, and SCBA's effectiveness in chloride-induced accelerated corrosion tests was assessed. The effect of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) at different percentages of cement replacement was investigated to find the optimum amount of the ash.
In the case of the control mix, the duration of the first corrosion was about 2.5 hours, while for the 5% SCBA mix, the duration was 15.7 hours, thus indicating that the corrosion resistance had been substantially enhanced. The optimum dosage clearly showed its potential in slowing down the process of corrosion and thus preventing spalling in reinforced concrete structures.
A 5% SCBA replacement proved to be most beneficial in providing the greatest improvements among others, such as lessened water absorption, better microstructural densification, and slower chloride penetration.
THE USE OF SOLANUM INCANUM FOR WATER TREATMENT AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL, A CASE OF NAMILYANGO VILLAGE KISENYI CELL IN MUKONO DISTRICT
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) BWAMBALE WILBERFORCE
Access to clean and safe water remains a challenge as people depend on water from unprotected water sources for domestic use and consumption. This study aimed at the use of Solanum Incanum as a natural disinfectant for water treatment at household level, focusing on Nakyijeera Spring in Namilyango Village. Water quality assessment was carried out in dry and wet seasons with water samples collected in the morning, afternoon and evening. In both seasons, the spring water consistently showed Turbidity, Colour and Total iron values of 0 NTU, 0 PtCo and 0.07±0.00 mg/l respectively. pH ranged from 6.27 to 6.57 and 6.73 to 6.80 in the dry and wet seasons respectively. In the dry season, E. coli values showed 19 CFU/100ml, 14 CFU/100ml, and 14 CFU/100ml, and Total Coliforms of 44 CFU/100ml, 27 CFU/100ml, and 31 CFU/100ml in the morning, afternoon and evening respectively. In the wet season, E. coli of 21 CFU/100ml, 21 CFU/100ml, and 22 CFU/100ml, and Total Coliforms of 48 CFU/100ml, 38 CFU/100ml, and 42 CFU/100ml in the morning, afternoon and evening respectively. The optimum contact time was achieved at 45 minutes, with an optimum dosage of 40ml/l, showing 87% E. coli removal and 86.5% Total Coliform removal. The prototype designed for water treatment showed reduction values of E. coli to 2 CFU/100ml, and 5 CFU/100ml for Total Coliforms. This thus illustrated that Solanum Incanum can be used effectively for water disinfection at household level.
ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG IN THE MANUFACTURING OF UNFIRED CLAY BRICKS
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) BAK KAU NAK
The proposed research and design project is a final year study, which was carried out between May and November 2025 at Uganda Christian University to determine the applicability of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as a stabiliser in the production of unfired clay bricks that can be used in the construction process. The poor compressive and high-water absorption of the unfired clay bricks in Namakwekwe, Mbala, Uganda, led to the study.
The study entailed laboratory characterization of the local clay soils, such as, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, Chemical; composition and specific gravity of the soils after which blending experiments were conducted including addition of GGBS at various proportions. The resulting brick specimens were subject to standard tests which determine compressive strength, water absorption capability, bulk density, efflorescence, and load-bearing capacity as per the international standards e.g. BS 1377:1990, ASTM C67, and EN 1996-2:2006.
It was found out that inclusion of GGBS considerably enhanced the mechanical and serviceability attributes of unfired clay bricks. Best mix ratios gave compressive strengths above the minimum needed of 3.5 MPa, as well as water absorption values decreased to the control range of 12-15%. GGBS led to increased particle interlocking and helped the creation of cementitious gels thus, increasing cohesion and decreasing shrinkage cracking.
Assessing the suitability of using Sisal Fibre as a Reinforcement in Woodcrete Blocks
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Zozo Musole Jonathan
This study assesses the suitability of sisal fibre as reinforcement in woodcrete blocks while maintaining low density. Traditional concrete blocks have high density and dead loaded, which increases structural demand, member size and cost. Woodcrete, produced by mixing cement with sawdust, is lighter but suffers from low strength and microcracking. A 1:2 cement–sawdust mix was reinforced with sisal fibre at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% by weight of cement. To increase the compatibility with the cement matrix, sawdust and fibre were treated in 15% NaOH and then washed and dried. Tensile strength, compressive strength, water absorption and density were tested. At 28 days, the 1.5% fibre mix increased compressive strength from 2.64 to 3.67 MPa (~39%) and tensile strength from 0.91 to 1.08 MPa (~19%), both statistically significant, while water absorption remained acceptable and stayed below 1500 kg/m³. Thus, 1.5% sisal-reinforced woodcrete provides lightweight, stronger blocks suitable for non-load-bearing, low-cost housing.
ASSESSING THE USE OF BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL FOR ROOF COVERING IN DEVELOPING AREAS IN UGANDA
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Atim Prisca Enabu
Bamboo is commonly used in roofing in the less developed areas of Uganda since it is a relatively cheap material. Its use on a larger scale is however hindered by rapid decay which affects primarily the untreated bamboo, the use of traditional methods such as smoking and water soaking, which does not effectively remove the danger of termites, fungi, borers and the effect of decay caused by moisture. This paper discusses the application of epoxy resin, a thermoset polymer, as a modern day treatment on bamboo roofing and therefore, increases its life and service life in humid tropical regions such as Kabaale and Busega. The research adopted an experimental comparative method in which sets of bamboo samples were prepared in untreated, the traditional treatment and the epoxy resin treated. Laboratory and field tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the bamboo and the findings clearly discussed for bamboo roof covering. A practical design of interlock roof was put forward where the treated bamboo culms were mixed with a base layer, ventilated and with bamboo battens, structural calculations indicated that the system of the roof is capable of supporting the environmental loads and a service life of 15-20 years
ASSESSEING THE EFFECT OF POLYPROPYLENE PLASTIC ON THE DURABILITY OF ASPHALT PAVEMENTS
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) ANKUNDA NOBLE RUHINDA
Flexible pavements are roads comprising of a surfacing layer comprising of bitumen aggregate and filler. The purpose of this report is to present a study conducted to create a resilient asphalt mixture for the durability of asphalt pavements. The significant existence of early pavement failures in the form of cracking and rutting was the major drive for this study. A modified asphalt mixture made using polypropylene plastic was proposed and tested in evaluation against the conventional asphalt mixture. This goal was achieved by conducting mechanical tests on materials that were used that is the aggregates and bitumen and characterisation of the polypropylene plastic. Other tests included the marshal tests and indirect tensile stress tests on both the modified asphalt and conventional asphalt samples to show the improvement caused by incorporating polypropylene plastic. Coating aggregates with polypropylene plastic led to a reduction in the Average Crushing Value from 15.8% to 13.6%. This signified an improvement in mechanical properties of coated aggregates. Marshall Quotient increased by 0.3, Air voids reduced by 0.5% and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) ratio increased to 96% from 87%. These tests also identified that 3% polypropylene plastic modification improved the general properties of asphalt especially making the asphalt mixture more resistant to moisture damage, heat and cracking.
However, there is need for more research in the use of other types of plastic in asphalt mixture in order to ascertain the full potential of polymer modified asphalt.