Influence of different types of fiber on fracture strength of asphalt mixtures using SCB specimens

In areas with harsh freezing weather, cracking is becoming a growing concern, and finding a practical and cost-effective solution to improve the crack resistance of asphalt mixtures is highly advantageous. Fibers are known to be effective modifiers that can be directly added to mixtures to enhance the cracking resistance of asphaltic materials. This study aims to explore the impact of various fiber types, such as basalt, kenaf and goat wool, glass, polyester, Jute natural, and polyolefin-Aramid, on the fracture strength of warm asphalt mixtures. Fracture experiments were conducted using SCB specimens under different mode mixes, including pure mode I, pure mode II, and two mixed modes of I/II. The findings reveal that incorporating fiber into the mixture boosts fracture strength, but the extent of improvement varies based on temperature, fiber length, and the percentage of fiber content in the mixture. Moreover, this paper discusses the stress intensity factor values and the optimal amount of fiber content for each type of fiber and pure mode.