Abstract
This paper proposes a new technique for the evaluation of fractal dimension (D) of fracture surface and a quantitative correlation between D and fracture toughness of cementitious materials. The experimental program has been performed on compact tension (CT) specimens (600 × 525 × 125 mm) with three different aggregate sizes (d max=4.7 mm, 18.8 mm and 37.5 mm). The fractal geometry concept is utilized in the evaluation of fracture surface roughness. To avoid indirect or destructive experimental procedures that are prohibitively laborious and time consuming, a new non-destructive technique is presented. Results of the analysis indicate that the concept of fractal geometry provides a useful tool in the fracture surface characterization. The results also suggest that the fracture toughness can be correlated with the fractal dimension of fracture surface.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
J.H.Brown, Magazine of Concrete Research 27, 81 (1972) 185–196.
2. C.E. Kesler, D.J. Naus and J.L. Lott, in Proceedings of the International Conference Mechanical Behavior of Materials, The Society of Material Science, Kyoto, Japan 4 (1972) 113–124.
D.J.Naus and J.L.Lott, Journal of the American Concrete Institute 66, 5 (1969) 481–489.
O.J.Gjorv, S.I.Sorenson and A.Arnesen, Cement and Concrete Research 7, 3 (1977) 333–344.
M.G.Alexander and G.E.Blight, Magazine of Concrete Research 40, 142 (1988) 50–58.
A. Carpinteri, in Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Fracture, Cannes, France 4 (1981) 1491–1498.
H.K. Hilsdorf and W. Brameshuber, in Application of Fracture Mechanics to Cementitious Composites, NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Northwestern University (1984) 361–397.
S.Mindess, Cement and Concrete Research 14 (1984) 431–436.
Y.S. Jenq and S.P. Shah, in Application of Fracture Mechanics to Cementitious Composites, NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Northwestern University (1984) 255–288.
P. Nallathambi and B.L. Karihaloo, in Experimental Investigation of Fracture Behaviour of Concrete, Concrete 85th Conference, Brisbane (October 1985) 23–25.
P.C. Strange and A.H. Bryant, Experimental Tests on Concrete Fracture, ASCE Mechanics Division, 105 (1979) 337–342.
M.L. Tian, S.M. Huang, E.X. Liu, L.Y. Wu and Z.S. Yang, in Fracture Toughness and Fracture Energy of Concrete, F.H. Wittmann (ed.) (1986) 299–306.
B.I.G.Barr, E.B.D.Hasso and V.J.Weiss, International Journal of Cement Composites and Lightweight Concrete 7, 2 (1985) 109–119.
A.G.Evans, J.R.Clifton and E.Anderson, Cement Concrete Research 6 (1976) 535–548.
M.M. Kim, H.Y. Ko and K.H. Gerstle, in Proceedings of the ASCE National Convention, W.F. Chen and E.C. Ting (eds.), Hollywood, Florida (1980) 1–14.
B.L.Karihaloo and P.Nallathambi, Engineering Fracture Mechanics 35, 1/2/3 (1990) 637–645.
P.C.Pedikaris, A.M.Calomino and A.Chudnovsky, Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, 112, 8 (1986) 776–790.
S.C. Swartz, C.M.J. Huang and H.K. Hu, in Fatigue of Concrete Structures, ACI, SP-75 (1982) 47–69.
B.B.Mandelbrot, D.E.Passoja and A.Paullay Nature 308 (1984) 721–722.
E.Underwood and K.Banerji, Materials Science and Engineering 80 (1986) 1–14.
B.B.Mandelbrot, The Fractal Geometry of Nature, Freeman, New York (1982).
V.E.Saouma, C.C.Barton and N.A.Gamaleldin, Engineering Fracture Mechanics 35, 1/2/3 (1990) 47–53.
I. Palley, Private communications.
M.A. Issa, A.M. Hammad and A. Chudnovsky, in Proceedings of 9th Engineering Mechanics Conference, ASCE, L.D. Lutes and J.M. Niedzwecki (eds.), College Station, Texas (May 1992) 127–130.
J.E.Srawley and B.Gross, Engineering Fracture Mechanics 4 (1972) 587–589.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Issa, M.A., Hammad, A.M. & Chudnovsky, A. Correlation between crack tortuosity and fracture toughness in cementitious material. Int J Fract 60, 97–105 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00012438
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00012438