Performance evaluation of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures with textile waste fibre

Abstract

The research evaluates the performance of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixtures using residual cotton fibres from the Peruvian textile industry to address the environmental pollution caused by this sector. A reference SMA20 mixture was established with 0.30% commercial fibre and 6% asphalt. Subsequently, this fibre was replaced by textile fibre in the same proportions. It was found that 0.20% textile fibre optimally met the volumetric requirements and binder drainage tests. Performance tests showed that the textile fibre achieved a TSR of 95%, compared to 82% for the commercial fibre, and a rutting resistance of 2.82 mm compared to 2.46 mm for the commercial fibre. Additionally, the textile fibre demonstrated a better dynamic modulus at high temperatures. In conclusion, residual Peruvian cotton fibres can efficiently replace commercial fibres in SMA20 mixtures, with 0.20% being the optimal amount, thus promoting sustainable material reuse.