Prediction of asphalt concrete energy release rate from Texas Overlay Test using machine learning

This study aimed to apply machine learning (ML) models to predict the energy release rate (ERR) in the Texas Overlay Test (TXOT) for the reflective cracking of asphalt concrete (AC) overlay. The Generalised Finite Element Method model was developed with TXOT experimental results. Subsequently, a TXOT Finite Element database was constructed. Four different cases were formulated, each utilising distinct input variables and the same output variable (i.e. ERR). Five ML models were trained and evaluated for ERR prediction. The model performances were compared across four cases to determine the optimal set of input variables. Shapley Additive exPlanations methods were employed to interpret ML models. The results demonstrated that ML models performed differently across different cases. Artificial Neural Network achieved the highest accuracy in the case which included crack length, crack opening, AC modulus, and sigmoidal function parameters. Therefore, ML models prove to be accurate and reliable for predicting ERR.