FRACTURE TESTING OF CONCRETE AND ROCK MATERIALS

This paper describes new testing devices in order to measure experimentally the mode-I (direct tensile test), mode-II (direct shear test) and mode-III (direct torsion test) fracture resistance of concrete and rock materials. The proposed testing arrangements are very simple, practical and reliable as well as rigorous from a mechanics point of view. They can be used as routine tests. They provide simple means for evaluating the strength properties of engineering materials under various conditions of loading (temperature, high confining pressure, immersed conditions, etc.) and even in hostile environments. In addition, the versatility of these new types of experimental set-up allows a ready evaluation of the dilatancy effects on the fracture strengths of concrete and rock materials.