Using the generalized maximum tangential stress criterion to predict mode II fracture of hot mix asphalt in terms of mode I results – A statistical analysis

[Display omitted] •The time and cost consuming mode II fracture tests of HMA can be eliminated.•The Weibull distribution can describe both modes I and II fracture of HMA.•The GMTS criterion can predict the mode II fracture parameters of HMA.•The fracture initiation direction and KIIc are predictable using the KIc and T-stress of HMA. Low-temperature cracking of asphalt pavements is among the most important deteriorations in flexible pavements. Different modes of fracture may occur in a pavement depending on the vehicle wheel load position relative to the existing crack. Therefore, it is needed to test the fracture performance of asphaltic materials at different modes, which is time and cost consuming. Therefore, finding a statistical approach to correlate different modes of fracture of asphalt mixtures can be very beneficial. In this research, several semi-circular bending (SCB) specimens were tested under mode I and mode II fracture conditions. Then, the predictability of experimental mode II test results in terms of mode I fracture toughness data was investigated using the generalized maximum tangential stress (GMTS) theory. The Weibull distribution curves were also used for statistical analyses of the test data. It was found that the GMTS criterion successfully predicts the Weibull parameters of mode II results in terms of mode I fracture data.