Initial cracking strength and initial fracture toughness from 3-p-b and
WS concrete specimens
Abstract
A concept of initial cracking strength of concrete is elaborated in this
study. A fracture model and associated methods for determining
independent initial cracking strength and initial fracture toughness by
using the three-point-bending (3-p-b) and wedge splitting (WS) concrete
specimens are present. The initial cracking strength and initial
fracture toughness can be simultaneously determined using a
curve-fitting method from the proposed fracture model. All of the
initial fracture curves can be obtained using the determined concrete
materials. The initial loads of the 3-p-b and WS specimens can be
predicted on the basis of the curves with ±15% ranges. Furthermore,
analytical functions are used to obtain and determine the initial
cracking strength and the initial fracture toughness of concretes
directly. The determined values with ±15% ranges cover the most of
initial loads of the 3-p-b and WS specimens.