Evaluation and Performance of Base-Course Asphalt Mixtures Replaced by Waste Solar Panel Glass
The increasing number of waste solar panels has created a need for effective recycling technologies. This study investigated the feasibility of using waste-tempered glass from solar panels as a fine aggregate in base-course asphalt mixtures. Waste glass aggregate was produced by crushing and screening waste solar panels, and 20% of the fine aggregate was replaced with waste glass aggregate. The performances of the asphalt mixtures were evaluated using IDEAL-CT, IDEAL-Rut, dynamic modulus, flow number, and four-point bending tests. The pavement service life and life-cycle cost were also analyzed using the TxME and RealCost programs.The laboratory results showed that the asphalt mixture containing waste glass aggregate exhibited improved cracking resistance, rutting resistance, fatigue resistance, and hightemperature performance compared with the conventional asphalt mixture. In addition, the predicted pavement service life was extended, and the life-cycle cost was reduced by 31.6%. These results indicate that waste tempered glass from solar panels can be effectively recycled as fine aggregates in asphalt mixtures while improving pavement performance and economic efficiency.