Ruggedness study of the three-point bending cylinder (3PBC) test for asphalt mixture fatigue performance assessment
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Accurate evaluation and prediction of fatigue performance are crucial for extending the service life of asphalt pavements. Recently developed ASTM D8458-22 – Three-Point Bending Cylinder (3PBC) test has emerged as a reliable and efficient method to assess the fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures. However, ensuring the robustness of any new test method requires rigorous ruggedness evaluation to identify and control key sources of variability. This paper presents the results of a ruggedness study of the 3PBC test to evaluate the factors most likely to affect its outcomes. The ruggedness evaluation followed ASTM E1169-20, which employs a Plackett-Burnam partial factorial design to assess the influence of multiple factors. Air voids, strain level, clamp tightness, test temperature, and test frequency were selected based on prior experience, with one factor repeated to meet the methodological requirements. Testing was performed on a single asphalt mixture as recommended by ASTM E1169-20. Statistical analysis revealed that all factors except frequency influenced the 3PBC test results. These findings require further inter-laboratory validation across different mixture types and testing conditions to establish refined factor ranges and tolerance thresholds.
Source: Transportation research procedia
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204211397