# Recycling End-of-Life Bituminous Membranes in Asphalt Mixtures: A Laboratory Study

## TL;DR

This study explores recycling old waterproofing membranes into asphalt mixtures, finding that it improves moisture and fatigue resistance without affecting workability.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the feasibility of using end-of-life bituminous membrane waste in asphalt mixtures and identifies performance benefits.

## Key findings

- MW-modified mixtures with 2% membrane waste (SH+) showed higher moisture and fatigue resistance than reference mixes.
- SH+ mixtures also exhibited improved stiffness and high-temperature performance.
- Workability remained similar between reference and MW-modified mixtures regardless of waste content.

## Abstract

The circular economy (i.e., reuse and recycling of waste materials) is gaining attention for the goal of achieving net-zero waste. In this regard, the use of waterproofing membrane waste in bituminous materials can be a valid option, as every year, a lot of bituminous membrane wastes are generated both as production scraps or end-of-life wastes. Given this background, the recycling feasibility of end-of-life bituminous membrane waste (MW) in asphalt mixtures was assessed in this research study. To this aim, MW shreds (≤20 mm) were added to dense-graded bituminous mixtures using the dry-mixing method. The shreds were dosed at 0.5% by the mix weight (mix coded as SH−) or at 2% by mix weight (mix coded as SH+). A corresponding reference mix without MW was also tested for comparison purposes. The mixtures’ workability, strength and stiffness as well as permanent deformation, moisture and fatigue resistance were evaluated. Overall, the laboratory experimental findings showed that MW-modified bituminous mixtures with a higher dosage of membrane waste (SH+) have relatively higher moisture resistance, fatigue resistance, stiffness and high-temperature performance with respect to the corresponding reference mix. Moreover, both the reference and MW-modified mixtures showed similar workability regardless of the MW content.