Premature Cracking Research Articles

Novel multi-scale experimental approach and deep learning model to optimize capillary pressure evolution in early age concrete

Early-age shrinkage of concrete can initiate pre-mature cracking, which can compromise the durability of concrete structures. Monitoring capillary pressure, the leading cause of concrete shrinkage, and understanding its evolution is crucial for the performance-based design of concrete, particularly at early-stages when it is more prone to cracking. This study deploys an innovative multi-scale experimental program using high-capacity tensiometers to monitor the capillary pressure up to 2000 kPa. This allowed investigating the effects of key design parameters, including the water-to-cement ratio, GGBS, SRA, and measurement depth, on the capillary pressure evolution in concrete. A new robust deep neural network model was developed to conduct extensive numerical experiments to predict the capillary pressure evolution of diverse mixtures. The net effect of multi-parameters on the capillary pressure can be investigated with this model, providing insights into the optimum design of more durable concrete mixtures with the lowest capillary pressure evolution, and guiding the implementation of appropriate cost-effective shrinkage-mitigating strategies.

Effects of the simultaneous use of post-industrial polypropylene waste plastic and soybean oil recycling additive on the performance of high-RAP recycled mixtures

Using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in asphalt concrete (AC) reduces the need for nonrenewable resources. However, excessive RAP can cause premature cracking in pavements due to its stiff and aged nature. To address this issue, studies propose the incorporation of recycling agents (RA) in RAP recycled mixtures. Nevertheless, incorporating RA may reduce mixture's rutting and moisture resistance. Alternatively, incorporating waste plastic in AC can positively balance the RA negative effects. Therefore, this study explores the simultaneous use of polypropylene (PP) waste plastics and soybean oil RA to improve the overall performance of high-RAP mixtures. Due to its high melting point, PP can have different roles in the asphalt mixture depending on the mixing temperature used. To explore that, three different methods of incorporating PP into a high-RAP mixture were attempted. Five different mixtures were developed varying the binder (virgin and modified with RA), and the PP mixing procedure. Then, the mixtures were subjected to performance-based testing procedures (SCB IFIT and HWTT) as well as to boiling test to verify binder-aggregate adhesion. It was confirmed that the use of soybean oil enhances the cracking performance of the high-RAP mixtures, but the rutting and moisture performances were compromised. However, incorporating PP made the mixture more resistant to moisture and rutting in different instances. It was found that pre-heating the aggregates at higher than PP melting point allows a better coating of aggregates by PP, and results in improved binder-aggregate adhesion, leading to better cracking, rutting, and moisture performance of high-RAP mixtures.

Mechanical Behavior of Secondary Lining in Super Large-Span Tunnels Considering Temperature Effects

Temperature stress has a significant impact on the structural stress of (super) large-span tunnel lining, which can easily lead to structural fatigue damage and premature cracking. With the increasing scale and quantity of super large-span tunnels, the issue of temperature stress in secondary lining has attracted widespread attention. Previous studies have paid little attention to the influence of temperature stress on the structural internal forces of ordinary small–medium-span tunnels, but this influence cannot be ignored for super large-span tunnels. We take the Letuan Tunnel (a double-hole eight-lane tunnel) of the Binzhou-Laiwu expressway renovation and expansion project in Shandong Province as a case study and analyze the mechanical response of the secondary lining through on-site measurement. Moreover, a numerical simulation was conducted to evaluate the effects of self-weight and temperature stress on the secondary lining of the case tunnel. The results indicate that: the stress of the secondary lining concrete and steel bars is greatly affected by seasonal temperature changes. The compressive stress of the concrete and steel bars is significantly greater in summer than in winter, and the tensile stress is greater in winter than in summer. Furthermore, multiple measurement points have shown a phenomenon of transition between tensile and compressive stress states. The stress of concrete and steel bars fluctuates periodically with a sine function over time, with a fluctuation period of one year. The structural stress increases with the increase of summer temperature and decreases with the decrease of winter temperature. The fluctuation amplitude of stress in the inner side of the lining concrete and steel bars is greater than that on the outer side. Among them, the stress amplitudes of the inner and outer sides of the concrete are between 0.77–1.75 MPa and 0.44–1.07 MPa, respectively, and the stress amplitudes of the inner and outer steel bars are between 5–31 MPa and 7–13 MPa, respectively. The safety factors in summer are lower than those in winter. The minimum safety factors for secondary lining in summer and winter are 3.4 and 4.6, respectively, which can meet the safety requirements for service. The average axial forces of the secondary lining under the coupling effects of self-weight and temperature in winter and summer are 528 MPa and 563 MPa, respectively, which are significantly greater than the combined axial forces under their individual effects. The bending moment distribution of the secondary lining at the tunnel vault, inverted arch, wall spring and other positions under the coupling effect of self-weight and temperature is different from or even opposite to the bending moment superposition result under the two individual actions. The achieved results reveal that the influence of temperature stress on the service performance of the lining structure cannot be ignored, and the research results can provide useful reference for similar tunnels and related studies.

Review of laser cladding coating on wear and fatigue of railway wheels/rails

With the rapid development of high-speed railway, wheel/rail premature wear and fatigue cracks occur frequently. Laser cladding high-quality coatings with high wear resistance and fatigue resistance on the damaged surface of wheel/rail can prolong its service life. In this review, the latest research progress of laser cladding Fe-based, Co-based and Ni-based coatings on the wear and fatigue of railway wheels/rails at home and abroad is reviewed. It is concluded that the wear resistance and fatigue resistance of Co-based alloy coatings are better than those of other alloy coatings. Adding strengthening elements to alloy powders can improve the welding process and improve the comprehensive properties of the coatings. Additionally, the laser cladding of railway wheel/rail is further envisaged as well.

Study of the shot peening surface roughness in fretting

Fretting fatigue manifests in mechanical systems exposed to contact forces that vary over time, resulting in premature cracks that can lead to component failure. Shot peening treatment is one of the palliatives to mitigate fretting fatigue problems. Recent studies have noted that the fretting fatigue is also extended by exclusively applying SP to the contact pad surface. This suggests that the improvement in the fatigue live produced by SP comes not only from the compressive residual stresses but also due to the characteristic surface roughness from the SP treatment. For this reason, the main goal of this work is to analyse how the shot peened roughness affects the fretting fatigue life. To do so, a confocal microscope was used to measure various profiles of shot peened pads. Using these profiles, and under fretting loads combination, the contact stress and strain field are calculated, followed by the application of a fatigue model. Finally, the estimated fatigue life is contrasted with empirical data derived from a research published by the authors. The study reveals that the fretting fatigue life is influenced by the surface roughness, although to a lesser extent with respect to residual stresses. Besides, the Smith-Watson-Toper parameter and stress intensity factor were analysed, suggesting that the rough surface primarily affects the initiation phase rather than the propagation phase, as it was expected.

Anticorrosive barrier coatings modified by core-shell rubber particles: effects on the property transients and premature crack initiation susceptibility of particle type and concentration

AbstractProtective epoxy coatings, as a result of their inherent brittleness, show insufficient resistance towards initiation and propagation of cracks, which can occur as early as during the curing process. To improve premature crack initiation resistance, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms. In this work, a solvent-based novolac epoxy, cured with a cycloaliphatic amine, was reinforced with either an epoxypropoxypropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), nanoparticles of strontium titanate (SrTiO3), or core-shell rubber (CSR) nanoparticles. The effects on coating property transients, curing-induced internal stress, and premature crack initiation susceptibility of the modifier types and CSR (MX 217 and MX 267) concentrations were investigated. In addition, using a digital microscope, the defect and crack morphology in coatings applied to rigid, flat substrates and inner 90-degree angles were characterized. Finally, to evaluate the anticorrosive barrier performance of the reinforced coatings, an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis was employed. Despite a slightly reduced crack initiation susceptibility, the flexible PDMS chains, due to phase separation, resulted in a deteriorated barrier performance. The inclusion of SrTiO3 nanoparticles also led to a reduced anticorrosion performance, relative to a neat epoxy coating, with a slightly lower crack initiation susceptibility and a minor increase (around 0.2 MPa) in the average internal stress. For 5 wt% MX 217 and MX 267 CSR toughened coatings, the maximum internal stress and crack initiation susceptibility in the series, as well as an associated reduced corrosion resistance, were seen. In spite of a reduction in the elastic modulus, an improved barrier performance and a reduced internal stress and crack initiation susceptibility were observed for 25 wt% MX 217 and 37 wt% MX 267 CSR toughened coatings. To improve barrier properties and avoid premature crack initiation of epoxy coatings, guidelines on modifier selection are provided.

Achieving high strength and high ductility of dual-phase steel via alternating lamellar microstructure

Overcoming the strength-plasticity trade-off in GPa-grade dual-phase steel while simultaneously enhancing both properties poses a significant challenge. In this study, we propose an innovative strategy to break this inherent dilemma by designing an alternately arranged ferrite and martensite lamellar microstructure with appreciable deformation coordination in dual-phase steel. Compared to traditional dual-phase steel (DP steel) with a block microstructure and the same phase components, the newly developed heterogeneous lamellar dual-phase steel (L-DP steel) prepared by a cyclic intercritical quenching process demonstrates a remarkable 90 % increase in uniform elongation (from 9.1 ± 0.4 % in DP steel to 17.3 ± 0.3 % in L-DP steel). The ultimate tensile strength increases slightly from 1002 ± 10 MPa (DP steel) to 1034 ± 11 MPa (L-DP steel). The lamellar martensite and lamellar ferrite with a certain hardness difference lead to high back stress during plastic deformation, thereby ensuring the ultra-high tensile strength of the L-DP steel. The improved ductility of the L-DP steel is primarily attributed to the appreciable coordinated deformation ability of the lamellar microstructure and the considerable plastic deformation ability of lamellar martensite. These two outstanding capabilities allow this unique microstructure to elongate continuously along the tensile direction, facilitating persistent work hardening without premature cracking. Furthermore, the heterogeneous hardening triggered by the mutual constraints of the lamellar microstructure during the plastic deformation also contributes additional work hardening to enhance the ductility. The design of lamellar microstructure under a cyclic intercritical quenching process presents an efficient and feasible pathway for producing GPa-grade dual-phase steel with considerable ductility.

Thermal and thermochemical treatments against fretting failure applied to power transmissions

Some power transmission components are subject to the fretting corrosion failure mode, which results in rapid wear of mating surfaces or premature fatigue crack initiation. Fretting corrosion is generated by micro-movements of surfaces in contact. In mechanical transmissions, it is found in particular on shrink-fit connections (bearing rings, for example) and on key and spline connections when they are misaligned or not with the well design fit.The sectoral board for mechanical transmissions and rolling bearings and CETIM is investigating the potential of technical solutions (materials, heat treatment, lubrication, etc.) to prevent fretting. This article presents a study of the impact of thermal and thermochemical heat treatments of steels used in power transmissions on the appearance, morphology and intensity of corrosion fretting.Among the materials and heat treatments commonly used in mechanical transmissions (NF EN 683, ISO 6336-5), the following variants were studied: through-hardened steels (42CrMo4, 100Cr6), surface-hardened steels (42CrMo4), case-hardened steels (20MnCr5) and nitrided steels (42CrMo4). These variants are compared using a standardized ASTM G204 test, which involves oscillating a pressurized, lubricant-free pin (100Cr6) on a plate (the tested variant) for 24 hours. The peak-to-peal slip amplitude range is set at 50µm or 100µm. Tangential forces during testing, then the volume loss of pin and plate after testing, were measured, analysed and compared. The experimental study reveals wear resistance and depend on heat and thermochemical treatment as well as slip amplitudes. Through hardened 100Cr6 has better fretting resistance than nitrided 42CrMo4 for 50µm amplitude, but the results are completely reversed at 100µm amplitude.

Flexural behaviour of concrete beams reinforced with fiberglass geogrid

In cold regions, especially within Canada, the degradation of non-structural concrete components in challenging environmental conditions has become a pressing issue. Traditional steel reinforcements are known to be susceptible to corrosion. With anticipated climate shifts causing variations in temperature, precipitation, and freeze-thaw cycles, there's an increasing need for more resilient reinforcement materials to deter premature cracking in non-structural concrete components. This study delves into the advantages of using low-ductility fibreglass geogrids as reinforcement layers to curb crack development and augment the flexural performance of plain concrete beams. Tests were carried out on nine concrete beams, each measuring 550×150×150 mm, with diverse reinforcement setups. The emphasis was on evaluating load-deflection characteristics, energy absorption capabilities, and modes of failure. Results suggest that lowductility fibreglass geogrid reinforcement markedly enhances the flexural strength of plain concrete, outperforming control beams. Additionally, fibreglass reinforcement showcases enhanced crack resistance and postcracking behaviour than plain beams. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was also executed using the Abaqus software, and its accuracy was confirmed through experimental data comparisons, yielding numerical figures for midspan deflection and peak load. This research furnishes pivotal insights into the prospective use of progressive reinforcement materials to combat environmental challenges in colder climates.

Fatigue life prediction of electron beam melted micro-sized parts based on regenerated surfaces using machine learning approach

Fatigue life prediction of electron beam melted micro-sized parts based on regenerated surfaces using machine learning approach

Research on the response of bitumen binder and bitumen mastic to physical hardening effect based on rheological properties

Bitumen materials will occur a physical hardening effect when stored isothermally in a low-temperature environment, and ignoring the physical hardening factor has become one of the important reasons for premature cracking of asphalt pavement during the service period. This paper investigates the response of bitumen binder and bitumen mastic to physical hardening effects at different storage temperatures and times using the bending beam rheometer and dynamic shear rheometer. The response of the material to physical hardening effects is analyzed through temperature index system changes, mathematical model fitting, and stiffness master curve fitting. Results indicate that the response of the material to physical hardening effects can be classified into two stages: the rapid growth and the gradual stabilization periods. The response time of these two stages is related to factors such as aging degree and storage temperature. The physical hardening effect will cause the temperature loss of the material at low temperature, and its influence law on TS60=300MPa and Tm60=0.300 is different. It is recommended to extend the isothermal storage time specified in the test from 1 h to 9 h, considering the time cost and the change in temperature index. Moreover, the stiffness master curve study revealed the occurrence of the "tail drift" phenomenon.

Simultaneously enhancing strength-ductility synergy in the Ti2AlNb diffusion bonding joint via heterogeneous high-entropy interface design

Brittle defects, such as continuous intermetallic compounds and straight bonding line composed of grain or phase boundaries, often form at the interface of dissimilar metals joints, resulting in the premature cracking at the interface. Therefore, bonding interfaces with excellent strength and ductility are attractive for application in welding structural components. However, increasing strength usually comes at the expense of ductility, which is known as strength-ductility trade-off. In this work, we explored a novel interface design strategy by introducing multi-scale grains into the bonding interface of the Ti2AlNb-based alloy using a heterogeneous refractory high entropy alloy. The interface was composed of the multi-sized grains, which successfully eliminated the brittle defects. Through this approach, the strength and ductility of the joint synergistically improved to 877 MPa and 11.54 %, respectively. Both strength and ductility exceeded 98 % of the mechanical performances of the base metal. The exceptional strength-ductility combination was benefiting from cooperative strain hardening mechanisms, which increased the interfacial hardening capability via in situ refinement of free path of dislocations motion. This hetero-interface strategy could expand the design ideas for the bonding interface of intermetallic compound-based alloys, and provides a new approach to synergistically increase the mechanical performance.

Very high cycle fatigue rupture mode at high temperatures of Ni-based superalloys coated with a slurry aluminide

The failure mode in the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime of four different nickel-based single-crystal (SX) superalloys coated with a slurry aluminide has been investigated at high temperature (1,000 °C) and under fully-reversed conditions (Rε = -1). The 3rd generation superalloy CMSX-4 Plus presented a lifetime one to two order(s) of magnitude higher than AM1, CMSX-4 and Rene N5 for the same applied alternating stress (180 MPa). The crack initiation zones were distinct. CMSX-4 Plus samples failed from the interdiffusion zone (IDZ) while AM1, CMSX-4 and Rene N5 samples failed from casting pores close to the IDZ. The interaction between the casting pore, the IDZ and the rough zone is believed to control the premature crack initiation. A new crack initiation mode in VHCF for coated specimens is proposed in this article and the competition between crack initiation from a casting pore or from the surface is considered and discussed.

Interfacial optimization by CPED coating for improving mechanical properties of Nbf/TiAl composite

Continuous Nb fiber-reinforced TiAl-matrix (Nbf/TiAl) composites with low density and excellent high temperature performance has been considered as a potential structural material to satisfy the service requirements in space industry. However, premature cracking failure caused by serious interfacial reaction (forming brittle phases and micro-crack) in the interface accelerates the failure of the composite. Depositing the inert coating on the Nb fiber surface could reduce and even prevent the interfacial reaction, improving the interfacial structure between Nb fiber and TiAl matrix. In this work, an efficient coating technology, cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition (CPED), was utilized to deposit Al2O3 coating on the Nb fiber surface, which successfully prevented the brittle phases formation at the interface between Nb fibers and TiAl matrix. The reliable and simple interface composed of Nb/Al2O3/TiAl was prepared through the careful adjustment of CPED parameters. The high-strength interface ameliorated the stress distribution, especially increasing the stress borne of Nb fibers by 40 % during the loading process. As a result, the optimized interface avoided premature cracking in interfacial region at initial loading stage and promoted the crack deflection and bifurcation at the overall deformation. Finally, the fracture toughness of the composite after interfacial optimization is increased by 30 % than that of without coating and 70 % than that of TiAl matrix. The above findings validate the feasibility of CPED technology in regulating the interface structure of composite materials, and provide a new method for interface structure design.

In-situ shrinkage measurement of alkali-activated materials using focused ion beam combined with environmental scanning electron microscopy

Drying shrinkage of alkali-activated slag (AAS) has gained significant attention since the volumetric instability of this material can generate premature cracking and degrade the long-term durability of concrete structures. The unique shrinkage behavior of AAS originates mainly from the particular characteristics of its main hydrated products. However, few studies have even at-tempted to investigate the shrinkage behavior of hydrated products in AAS materials. This paper presented a new method of investigating drying shrinkage behavior of AAS using focused ion beam (FIB) combined with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). This innovative experimental method allowed the in-situ measurement of phase-specific shrinkage. The results showed FIB/ESEM technique can be successfully implemented to cementitious material to prepare phase-specific samples. Furthermore, object-oriented finite element method (OOF2) has been utilized to compute the shrinkage behavior of AAS concrete using a proposed multi-scale scheme. The computations can be made at multi-scales which highlight the effect of hydration products on shrinkage behaviors. OOF2 calculation at the micro-length scale predicted an increase in the shrinkage due to the well-dispersed hydration products inside the matrix. At larger scale, the decrease in the overall shrinkage is related to the extremely low shrinkage value by aggregates. The findings reveal OOF2 offers the capability to accurately measure local stress and strain distribution within heterogeneous materials, a feature notably absent in conventional numerical homogenization approaches. The importance of this benefit is highlighted particularly in the context of free-restrained shrinkage prediction, as conventional homogenization methods fail to account for stress.

Combined strengthening from nanoprecipitates, stacking faults and nano-twins enables a strong and ductile medium-entropy alloy

Single-phase face-centered cubic (fcc) alloys typically exhibit remarkable strain-hardening capability and large ductility but possess low yield strength. Conventional strengthening strategies inevitably lead to the loss of ductility. Here, an Nb alloyed CrCoNi-based medium-entropy alloy with a superb yield strength of ∼1.82 GPa, an ultimate tensile strength of ∼1.94 GPa, and good ductility of ∼24 % at 93 K is designed through the combined strengthening from nanoprecipitates, stacking faults, and nano-twins. The cold-rolling is employed to introduce high-density stacking faults and nano-twins, while subsequent low-temperature annealing generates numerous Nb-rich γ″ nanoprecipitates in the fcc matrix. The combined effects of precipitation strengthening, stacking fault- and nanotwin-induced strengthening contribute to an increase in flow stress to surpass the critical stress for the formation of stacking faults and deformation twinning. Moreover, the precipitation of high-density Nb-rich γ″ nanoprecipitates reduces the stacking fault energy of the fcc matrix. Therefore, the precipitation of γ″ nanoprecipitates produces more stacking faults and nano-twins during tensile deformation. The formation of stacking faults and nano-twins in turn, by dynamically introducing high-density interfaces for reducing the mean free path of dislocations, generates a high strain-hardening rate, thus high ultimate tensile strength and large ductility. More importantly, the coherent interfaces between γ′′ nanoprecipitates and the fcc matrix facilitate the transmission of stacking faults and nano-twins across the γ′′ nanoprecipitates. This mechanism could relieve the stress/strain concentrations at interfaces that could otherwise lead to premature crack initiation. This kind of combined strengthening from nanoprecipitates, stacking faults, and nano-twins provides a new avenue to further enhance the strength of nano-twinned materials or precipitation-strengthened materials while maintaining good ductility.

Peanut Shell Powder as a Sustainable Modifier and Its Influence on Self-Healing Properties of Asphalt.

This paper investigated, for the first time, the feasibility of using peanut shell powder, a plant waste residue, as a modifier for asphalt, particularly its self-healing ability. Modified asphalt samples were prepared using varying particle size ranges and concentrations of peanut shell powder. Various tests, including fatigue-healing-fatigue tests, high- and low-temperature rheological property tests, penetration tests for conventional performance, and atomic force microscopy scans, were conducted to investigate the effects of peanut shell powder on the self-healing performance and other properties of asphalt. The results showed that the porous structure of peanut shell powder was able to absorb light components within the asphalt and release them under load, thus improving the self-healing and fatigue resistance properties of the modified asphalt. Experimental conditions such as temperature, healing time, and fatigue damage level also influenced the self-healing performance of asphalt. Additionally, peanut shell powder could increase the dynamic viscosity and high-temperature rheological property of modified asphalt while reducing its temperature susceptibility. However, it had a negative impact on the low-temperature ductility and creep rate, which could potentially lead to premature cracking of asphalt pavement in colder regions. Increasing the content of peanut shell powder and reducing its particle size within a certain range had positive effects. When the content of peanut shell powder was 4% and the particle size range was 80-100 mesh, the overall performance of modified asphalt was satisfactory.

Fatigue behaviors of ultrasonic surface rolling processed AISI 1045: The role of residual stress and gradient microstructure

In the study, AISI 1045 steel were treated by ultrasonic surface rolling processing (USRP) with different parameters in terms of coverage rate. The gradient structures characterized with refined polished surface, the sub-surface nano-lamellar microstructure with a maximum compressive residual stress of 453.4 MPa was obtained, which shall be responsible to the superior fatigue properties to the pristine. Furthermore, the comparative investigation of fatigue behavior demonstrates that the surface roughness has the pronounce effects on the resistance to crack initiation, though the excessive USRP with the surface roughing may result in the premature crack growth; in contrast to the gradient microstructure, the compressive residual stress may delay effectively the incubation and increase the growth resistance of the physically short crack. Besides, the benefit of gradient microstructure is relatively limited in the resistance of fatigue short crack propagation.

Effect of brittle TiN coating on fatigue performance of TC11 titanium alloy under rotating bending and tension-tension

In this paper, the effect of brittle TiN coating on fatigue performance of TC11 titanium alloy (Ti-6.5Al-3.1Mo-1.05Zr0.35Si) under rotating bending and tension-tension were investigated. TiN coating causes a reduction in high and low cycle fatigue performance of TC11 under both conditions. The median fatigue strength at 1 × 107 cycles of TC11 decreases from 582.5 MPa and 896.0–547.5 MPa and 531.0 MPa under rotating bending and tension-tension fatigue loading, respectively. In scenarios involving rotating bending fatigue, fatigue failure initiation for both TiN coated and uncoated TC11 specimens reside on the droplet in coating surface, irrespective of high or low stress conditions. As for tension-tension fatigue loading, both TiN coated and uncoated TC11 specimens experience surface-based fatigue initiation points under high fatigue stress. However, during low-stress tension-tension loading, the incorporation of a TiN coating prompts a shift in TC11's fatigue initiation source from the interior to its surface. Furthermore, under both fatigue loading condition, fatigue cracks initiate at droplets on the coating surface and propagate to the surface of the substrate and eventually its interior. And the fatigue failure of the TC11 substrate is accelerated due to the coating causing balanced tensile stress. The inherent compressive characteristics and lack of tensile strength in TiN ceramic materials render them more susceptible to premature cracking when subjected to tensile fatigue loads. This vulnerability leads to heightened damage to the fatigue performance of TC11.

Introduction of calcium lignosulfonate to delay aging in bituminous mixtures

This study examines the merits of using calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) to mitigate negative effect of aging on bituminous mixtures. To do so, we studied how fracture energy and fracture toughness of the bituminous mixtures containing CLS change when exposed to long-term aging. Aging is implicated in premature cracking including but not limited to top-down cracks and low-temperature cracks which negatively impact road roughness, and subsequently ride quality and driver safety. Considering that latter cracks are induced by tensile and shear forces, we used semi circular bending (SCB) test to quantify fracture energy and fracture toughness of mixtures containing 5–20% CLS under both mode I and II. Each mixture was exposed to short and long term aging and tested at temperature of +15 °C and −15 °C. The study results showed that introduction of CLS increased the fracture energy and fracture toughness of the mixtures under both modes I and II. The study outcomes provides insights for advancing socioeconomics of pavements by mitigating surface cracks which in turn enhances the driver safety, ride quality and maintenance cost of pavements.