Despite growing interest in circular strategies for infrastructure materials, the textile industry produces large amounts of fiber-rich residues that remain underutilized. Stabilizing fibers are essential in stone matrix asphalt (SMA) to control binder drainage and maintain a stable stone-on-stone structure. However, the feasibility of replacing conventional cellulose fibers with textile industry waste fibers composed of a cotton-polyester-elastane blend has not yet been fully evaluated from a mechanical performance perspective. This study investigates the incorporation of textile waste fibers in SMA mixtures and assesses their influence on binder stability and mechanical performance. Mixtures were produced with 0.3% fiber by mass, and optimum binder contents were determined using the Marshall method. Performance was evaluated through Marshall stability and flow, resilient modulus, indirect tensile strength, and static and dynamic creep tests. The SMA mixture containing textile fibers effectively prevented binder drainage and exhibited a stable Marshall performance. Mechanical results indicated comparable stiffness between mixtures, while the textile fiber mixture showed an increase of approximately 16% in indirect tensile strength and enhanced resistance to permanent deformation, reflected by a reduction of about 21% in total deformation and an increase of approximately 16% in flow number, along with a tendency toward lower permanent deformation under static loading. These findings suggest improved resistance to rutting progression without compromising mixture rigidity. Overall, the results demonstrate the technical feasibility of using textile waste fibers as a stabilizing additive in SMA mixtures, contributing to both mechanical performance and circular economy strategies in pavement engineering. Future studies are recommended to address long-term durability and field performance.
Grabowski et al. (2026) studied this question.