Determining double-K fracture parameters of concrete for compact tension and wedge splitting tests using weight function

Abstract

The paper presents use of universal form of weight functions for determining the double-K fracture parameters and on compact test and wedge splitting test specimens. The proposed method enables to obtain a closed form expression of cohesion toughness of concrete specimens. A comparison with existing analytical method shows that the weight function method for determination of double-K fracture parameters yields results without any appreciable error. Significant influence of initial notch to depth (a0/D) ratio on the double-K fracture parameters is not also observed. Finally, a possible definition of brittleness of concrete using double-K fracture parameters is proposed.