Mode I and II fracture behavior of green warm mix asphalt containing recycled plastic at various temperatures using ENDB testing method

Comprehensively evaluating the fracture behavior of asphalt pavement is a crucial method that helps pavement engineers consider factors such as the effects of materials, environmental conditions, and traffic loading during the design and construction process, with the ultimate goal of creating a durable asphalt pavement resistant to cracking. This study introduces the potential of incorporating recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate additive (PA) into Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) as a promising and innovative strategy in pavement engineering to enhance the cracking resistance of asphalt pavement. Three primary objectives of this study: first, to reduce the accumulation of PET by recycling and reusing them; second, to use green and eco-friendly methods and materials, such as WMA technology and PA in mixture design; and third, to achieve an eco-friendly, durable asphalt pavement that resists cracking by combining WMA and PA. For these aims, mixtures were prepared with varying PA content (0%, 1%, and 2% by binder weight) and Sasobit® (3% of binder weight). The modified asphalt mixtures were tested for fracture performance using the Edge Notched Disc Bend (ENDB) test. Two loading modes (Mode I and Mode II) were applied at three temperatures (-15°C, 0°C, and +25°C) to evaluate fracture properties, including fracture toughness, fracture energy, balanced cracking index, and tensile strength. The results demonstrated that mixtures containing Sasobit® and PA, either individually or in combination, exhibited significantly superior cracking resistance compared to conventional mixtures. Additionally, various loading and environmental conditions were found to have a substantial impact on the cracking resistance of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and WMA mixtures. Statistical analysis identified the optimal formulation as 3% Sasobit® and 2% PA, which provided the best cracking resistance across different conditions. This sustainable approach not only prolongs the lifespan of pavements but also contributes to reducing environmental impact by repurposing plastic waste.