Crack Resistance in Asphalt Mixtures Reinforced With Glass and Polyester Fibers: A Fracture Mechanics and Statistical Evaluation

ABSTRACT This study investigates the fracture resistance of polyester (PE) and glass (G) fiber‐reinforced asphalt composite through a mechanistic and statistical evaluation using the semicircular bending (SCB) test under pure Mode I and mixed‐mode I/II loading. Nine fiber‐reinforced mixtures were prepared with two fiber lengths (12 and 18 mm) and contents (PE: 0.25% and 0.40%; G: 0.12% and 0.25%) and tested at −12°C and 25°C with three notch lengths (10, 20, and 30 mm). The results showed that PE fibers consistently enhanced fracture energy, post‐peak ductility, and crack‐bridging capacity across temperatures, particularly at 25°C. Conversely, glass fibers improved peak load and stiffness primarily at low temperature and lower notch severities. Statistical analyses confirmed significant interactions between fiber type, temperature, and notch geometry. The findings demonstrate that PE fibers promote ductile fracture behavior over a wider range of thermomechanical conditions, while glass fibers are more effective in stiffness‐dominated, brittle fracture regimes.