ASTM C1067 − 12 Standard Practice for Conducting a Ruggedness Evaluation or Screening Program for Test Methods for Construction Materials

ASTM C1067 − 12 Standard Practice for Conducting a Ruggedness Evaluation or Screening Program for Test Methods for Construction Materials

Scope
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for evaluating the ruggedness of a test method by determining the effects of different experimental factors on the variation of test results.

The procedure is intended for use during the development of a test method before the interlaboratory study is executed, such as those described in Practices C802 and E691.

1.2 This practice covers, in general terms, techniques for planning, collecting data, and analyzing results from a few laboratories.

Appendix X1 provides the details of the procedure with an example and Appendix X2 provides additional information on the methodology.

1.3 The practice is not intended to give information pertinent to estimating multilaboratory precision.

ASTM C1067 − 12 Standard Practice for Conducting a Ruggedness Evaluation or Screening Program for Test Methods for Construction Materials

Significance and Use
5.1 The purpose of a ruggedness evaluation, or screening program, is to determine the sensitivity of the test method to changes in levels of pertinent operating factors using a small number of tests. Normally, operating conditions for a test method are defined along with allowable tolerances.

A ruggedness analysis determines the effect of “worst-case” variation in operating conditions within the specified tolerances.

If the ruggedness evaluation indicates high variation (poor precision), the method can be revised with smaller tolerances on operating conditions to improve the precision.