1.1 ,This test method covers the determination of fracture energy (G_f) of asphalt-aggregate mixtures using the disk-shaped compact tension geometry. The disk-shaped compact tension geometry is a circular specimen with a single edge notch loaded in tension. The fracture energy can be utilized as a parameter to describe the fracture resistance of asphalt concrete. The fracture energy parameter is particularly useful in the evaluation of mixtures with ductile binders, such as polymer-modified asphalt concrete, and has been shown to discriminate between these materials more broadly than the indirect tensile strength parameter (AASHTO T322, Wagoner²). The test is generally valid at temperatures of 10°,C (50°,F) and below, or for material and temperature combinations which produce valid material fracture, as outlined in 7.4.