Evaluation of the impact of recycled glass on asphalt mixture performances

Abstract

The goal of this research was to verify the possibility of using recycled glass particles in an asphalt mixture while maintaining equivalent properties and performance in lieu of a conventional mixture. First, one type of asphalt mixture (ESG14) with different glass contents was tested according to the Ministère des transports du Québec’s mix design method. Next, the performances (resistance to thermal cracking, mixture stiffness and stripping resistance) of an asphalt mixture with optimal glass content were evaluated and compared to a reference mixture. Overall, it was found that using recycled glass in an ESG14 asphalt mixture reduces the binder content, increases the mixture workability and decreases the rutting resistance. It was also found that using 10% recycled glass in an ESG14 asphalt mixture does not impact the resistance to thermal cracking as well as the mixture stiffness. On the other hand, the stripping resistance is negatively affected by the presence of glass.