The possibilities of a Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) test onsemi-cylindrical specimens is investigated as an alternative tothe Indirect Tensile Test (ITT) to determine the flexural strength,stiffness and fatigue behaviour of asphalt concrete. Finite elementanalysis relations for the stresses and deformations under SCBhave been derived. Based on these relations the tensile strengthand fatigue behaviour of two asphalt mixes were determined withlaboratory tests. These results have been compared with ITT resultson the same mixes.

It can be concluded that the SCB gives results comparable withITT for the tensile strength. The determination of stiffness requiresaccurate measurement of the relatively small vertical deformationsunder loading. Fatigue tests can also be carried out. The SCBtest can be used as a mix design test for performance relatedspecifications and a reliable quality control test for mix productionand road construction. A standard test set-up is proposed.