Stripping and cracking resistance of sustainable warm stone mastic asphalt incorporating construction and demolition waste aggregates with digital image processing

This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating construction and demolition waste (CDW) into Warm Stone Mastic Asphalt to mitigate the environmental impacts of waste accumulation and asphalt production emissions. The resulting mixtures were evaluated for moisture damage and cracking resistance with digital image processing techniques to provide deeper insights into their structural and performance characteristics. The study found that replacing up to 30% of natural aggregate with CDW aggregates preserved the tensile strength, stripping resistance, and fatigue performance, rendering the mixtures suitable for heavy traffic pavements. However, when the CDW aggregates replacement exceeded 30%, mechanical properties and moisture resistance declined, primarily due to increased aggregate porosity and breakage. Incorporating cellulose fibers mitigated binder drain-down, ensuring stable mixtures across all CDW aggregate levels. Correlation analysis suggests that enhancing the tensile strength ratio and indirect tensile strength as crucial for improving asphalt durability by minimizing aggregate breakage (to prevent accelerated failure) and enhancing fatigue life for superior performance. This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 9, 11, 12, and 13 by promoting sustainable construction practices, minimizing waste, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to advance eco-friendly development, thereby achieving cleaner materials and production processes. Future studies should focus on enhancing the performance of mixtures with higher CDW content by utilizing additives and advanced treatment methods, enabling broader applications in high-traffic pavements.