Experimental research of fracture damage behavior of loess with different prefabricated cracks

Fracture damage in loess poses a significant threat to the safety of loess-based infrastructure in the China Loess Region. To investigate the fracture damage behavior of loess, three-point bending tests were performed on semi-circular loess specimens containing cracks prefabricated at four angles relative to the loading direction. High-speed photography and acoustic emission moni-toring were used to record the fracture damage process. Mechanical strength, crack evolution and acoustics emission signals were investigated in relation to prefabricated crack angles. Based on the results, a fracture damage mechanism for loess was obtained. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of the fracture damage behavior of loess, and a meaningful reference for the prevention and control of geo-crises caused by cracking.