Glass fiber waste as a potential bitumen modifier and stabilizing agent in asphalt mixture

The deterioration of Malaysia's flexible road pavements due to rutting and moisture damage presents a critical problem. Meanwhile, disposing of glass fiber wastes from manufacturing process further worsens environmental concerns. This research explores the feasibility of using glass fiber wastes as bitumen modifiers and stabilizers in stone mastic asphalt (SMA). The performance of SMA14 incorporating glass fiber waste using wet method and dry method were compared in this study. Bitumen 60/70 PEN was modified with varying percentages of glass fiber waste namely, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% by weight of bitumen. The SMA14 mixture was modified with glass fiber waste at 0.3% by the weight of total mixture. The physical and rheological characteristic of modified bitumen binder were assessed using penetration, softening point, storage stability, viscosity, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. The Marshall properties and performance of the SMA14 mixture incorporating glass fiber waste were evaluated. The findings demonstrate that glass fiber waste-modified bitumen exhibits enhanced penetration, softening point, viscosity, and rutting resistance compared to the unmodified sample. Adding glass fiber waste using dry method shows significant resistance to abrasion and rutting and demonstrates higher indirect tensile strength and TSR value.