Sensitivity Analysis of Semi-Circular Bending Test using Plackett–Burman Matrix

Abstract

The semi-circular bending (SCB) test is a recently developed test method, adopted by the American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM) as ASTM D8044, to evaluate the cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. To measure the robustness of the SCB test, a ruggedness test is needed. In this study, the effect of small changes in the key parameters of the test method on the results of the test were numerically investigated. The test method has many variables and set up conditions. Examining all of these parameters would be cumbersome using traditional testing and statistical techniques, as they require a significantly high number of samples. The Plackett–Burman (PB) technique was used to conduct the ruggedness test while reducing the number of tests required. Seven parameters have been examined: notch location, notch depth (low, intermediate and high), air voids, loading rate, and span length. Even using the PB technique, 16 scenarios need to be tested, and each scenario requires three specimens, one for each of the three notch depths. Hence the process requires plenty of time and material. In this study, the SCB test was modeled using a discrete element method (DEM) approach to analyze the fracture behavior of the samples. DEM was used to develop a model that reduced the time and materials required for the SCB test. Results showed that the parameters with most positive effect were intermediate notch depth and notch location, while those with the most negative effect were loading rates and air voids.