Bars loaded by opposite concentrated forces via rollers are appropriate test specimens for the determination of the fracture toughness K-lc, and the crack resistance curve (R-curve). In this paper, stress solutions fur the proposed specimens are provided. For the fracture mechanics specimens containing edge cracks, stress intensity factor solutions are given in form of figures and tables. As practical applications, R-curves are determined for an unpoled soft lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic and an alumina with 4% glass content. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.