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Abstract
Maximum fracture loads (Pmax)of small notched granite specimens under three-point-bending (3-p-b)conditions can be easily measured with any notch/size ratio. In this study, we report a simple closed-form solution of a non-Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (non-LEFM)model emphasizing the influence of average grain size G on quasi-brittle fracture of granite. This simple analytical solution containing the grain size G can be conveniently used to determine granite tensile strength ft and fracture toughness KIC from Pmax measurements of small notched 3-p-b specimens of geometry dissimilarity. The span/width (S/W)ratios of small 3-p-b specimens can vary, e.g. 2.5 or 4. The notch/width (a0/W)can also vary, e.g. the notch a0 can be as short as the average grain size (G), or close to width W. However, specimens with α-ratio (=a0/W)around 0.2 are recommended to minimize the boundary influence/effect from both the front and back specimen boundaries as proven by the Boundary Effect Model (BEM). Blue granite with the average grain size around 2 (mm)was selected to test the new method. Total 64 granite samples from four different groups (different 3-p-b sample designs)were tested, with W = 27, 40 and 70 (mm), S/W = 2.5, 4.0 and a0 = 4, 6 and 8 (mm). The tensile strength ft and fracture toughness KIC estimated from every group is fairly close to the values determined from the entire population of 64 tests. Therefore, tests from any specimen group of given geometry and size are sufficient. Estimations for G = 1.5 and 2.5 (mm)were also provided and compared with those for G = 2 (mm)to show the grain size influence. Advantages and disadvantages of BEM and well-known SEL (size effect law)are also discussed using the granite results.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 106482 |
Journal | Engineering Fracture Mechanics |
Volume | 216 |
Early online date | 14 May 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2019 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Granite strength and toughness from small notched three-point-bend specimens of geometry dissimilarity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
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Predicting strength of porous materials: A microstructure-based approach
Sercombe, T., Roberts, A., Hu, X., Challis, V. & Grotowski, J.
1/06/17 → 31/12/22
Project: Research