Statistical Analysis Framework to Evaluate Asphalt Concrete Overlay Reflective Cracking Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a robust process to statistically analyze reflective cracking field performance data. There is often a lack of consistency and transparency in statistical analysis of pavement field performance data, which may not satisfy ANOVA or regression modeling assumptions. Twelve full-scale asphalt concrete (AC) overlay pavement test sections located at the MnROAD test facility are used to demonstrate the statistical framework. The percentage of cracking reported at joint locations (%RC) is used to represent reflective cracking performance, and its relationships to pre-overlay load transfer efficiency (LTE), truck traffic, overlay thickness, and common performance indices determined from laboratory tests are investigated. The three laboratory tests considered in this study are the disk-shaped compact tension (DCT), semi-circular bend (SCB) and overlay tester (OT). Logistic regression models are used for estimation. Predictive abilities of various models are compared in relation to the percentage odds (%odds) of reflective cracking. Model output is binary: it estimates not the relative amount of reflective cracking but instead the probability of a given pavement structure cracking. Varying ability to perform asphalt mixture laboratory performance testing is assumed. One such model, where no laboratory performance testing variables are included, shows that a one-unit increase (1-in.) in AC overlay thickness may result in approximately a third decrease in the %odds of reflective cracking. A logistic regression model developed that considers laboratory performance data from DCT, SCB, and OT results in the optimal model balancing best fit and best prediction properties without overfitting.

Rheological Behaviors of Waste Polyethylene Modified Asphalt Binder: Statistical Analysis of Interlaboratory Testing Results

“…Different studies attempted to use it to evaluate and predict the performance properties of bituminous materials and the development of distresses. 21,22,23,24 Results indicate that statistical analysis is a useful and sensitive tool to discriminate different behaviors of bituminous materials.…”

Investigation on Fracture Performance of Hot-Mix Asphalt with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement under Fatigue Loading

“…The effects of tack coat rate and interface contamination on fatigue cracking were quantificationally explored. Besides the fatigue cracking resistance, OT is also commonly used to reveal the reflective cracking behaviors of HMA [30,31]. However, the fatigue cracking test is conducted using the displacementcontrolled model.…”

Comprehensive Laboratory Evaluation of Crack Resistance for an Asphalt Rubber Stress-Absorbing Membrane Interlayer (AR-SAMI)

“…The commonly used techniques for treating reflective cracking include the following three types: laying geosynthetic materials, adding an unbound aggregate layer between the surface layer and the base layer, and adding a stress-absorbing membrane interlayer (SAMI) [7][8][9][10][11]. Among them, the SAMI has been widely used as an effective method to slow the expansion of reflective cracking [12][13][14].…”

“…For example, the low-temperature flexural-tensile strain in BBT is the control index of the Chinese specification, which focuses on characterizing the resistance to crack formation [31]. The SCB tests with pre-cut cracks focus on characterizing the resistance to crack expansion in the presence of cracks [9,32]. The OT test is similar to the fatigue test and characterizes the crack resistance degradation of the specimen under fixed deformation [9,33].…”

“…The SCB tests with pre-cut cracks focus on characterizing the resistance to crack expansion in the presence of cracks [9,32]. The OT test is similar to the fatigue test and characterizes the crack resistance degradation of the specimen under fixed deformation [9,33].…”