A statistical based framework for predicting field cracking performance of asphalt pavements: Application to top-down cracking prediction

Detailed steps of the statistical framework are presented through the development of top-down cracking models. Results indicate that the framework works effectively by integrating pavement performance concepts with several statistical methods including Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression, Binary Logistic Regression, and Leave one out cross validation (LOOCV). Using the developed statistical based framework, critical factors that may affect the initiation and propagation of top-down cracking are identified, and their sensitivities to the field top-down cracking are further discussed.