Evaluation of Wedge Splitting Fracture Tests Using the Double-<i>K</i> Model: Analysis of the Effect of Hemp Fibre Dosage and Length in Concrete Specimens

Abstract

This paper deals with the results obtained from the employment of a selected fracture model to evaluate wedge splitting fracture tests carried out on hemp fibre concrete specimens. The research work was focused mainly on the effect of the dosage and length of hemp fibres on the initiation part of crack propagation in concrete specimens, and on critical crack opening displacement. Concrete mixtures with different volumetric dosages (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 %) and fibre lengths (10, 20 and 40 mm) were prepared, and six identical specimens were cast from each mixture. Specimens were also cast from a reference mixture, which was without fibres. The specimens were provided with an initial notch and tested using the wedge splitting test method. Load versus crack mouth opening displacement diagrams were recorded during testing and (after data filtering and appropriate modifications) subsequently evaluated using the Double-K fracture model. This model allows the evaluation of two material parameters – the initiation fracture toughness, which defines the onset of stable crack propagation, and the unstable fracture toughness, which defines the onset of unstable cracking or failure. Finally, the critical crack opening displacement was determined with the assumption of the bilinear function of softening in tension.