A Fracture-Mechanics Perspective on SBS–Glass Fiber Asphalt Concrete: Experimental SCB Results and Performance Indices
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Abstract
This study examined the influence of styrene–butadiene–styrene polymer and short glass fibers on the volumetric and fracture behavior of asphalt concrete prepared with locally sourced materials. Mixtures were designed using Marshall procedures to determine the optimum asphalt content and to verify conformity with Iraqi surface-course requirements. Polymer dosages of 2%, 4%, and 6% of binder mass were evaluated, and the optimum polymer level was subsequently combined with several glass-fiber contents. Fracture performance was assessed using semi-circular bending at 15 °C and interpreted through linear elastic fracture mechanics using maximum stress, maximum strain, fracture toughness, and stiffness index. In addition, a fracture toughness modulation index and an energy-based brittleness index were calculated from the load–displacement response to describe post-peak energy dissipation and relative brittleness. The results showed that polymer modification reduced the optimum asphalt content and increased Marshall stability; however, the 6% polymer mixture did not meet the flow requirement. Glass fibers improved Marshall stability up to an intermediate dosage and then reduced stability at higher contents. In the semi-circular bending test, glass fibers increased fracture toughness by about 30% relative to the conventional mixture, whereas polymer modification increased fracture toughness by about 125%. The hybrid polymer–fiber mixture achieved the highest fracture toughness (about 191% above the conventional mixture) and the highest stiffness index, indicating a combined benefit of improved ductility and crack-bridging reinforcement.
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