MODE-II FRACTURE-PARAMETER ESTIMATES FOR CONCRETE FROM BEAM SPECIMENS

At the present time, work on determination of fracture parameters for concrete subjected solely to mode I deformation states has advanced to the point where standard methods of testing and data evaluation have been proposed. Thus, many researchers are now considering the dual problems of (1) determination of fracture parameters for mode II deformation and (2) the need for this information (or put another way - the possible application of this information). In fact, the physical testing arrangements for mode II testing with no influence of mode I are not obvious; compromises must be made which will lead to approximations - perhaps fairly gross - in the estimates of mode II fracture parameters. Herein are presented experimental and analytical results for fracture parameters for beams loaded in antisymmetric four-point bending with a single-edge starter notch located in a region of high-shear and low-bending moment. This study complements another, presented elsewhere, in which beams in three-point bending were used with notches located off center.