Determination of double-K fracture parameters using semi-circular bend test specimens

The present research was conducted to evaluate the double-K fracture parameters using semi-circular bend test. Fracture tests were carried out on semi-circular bend specimens with three different diameters with a range from 200 mm to 500 mm and four different concrete strengths. The results indicated that double-K fracture parameters K-Ic(ini) and K-Ic(un) values for semi-circular bend specimens were size and strength dependent. All the fracture parameters such as critical effective crack length, critical crack mouth opening displacement and unstable fracture toughness increased as the specimen size increased; while, initial fracture toughness decreased with the increase of specimen size. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.