New experimental investigation of 3D defects propagation in mortar under tension loading

Abstract

Among the construction materials, the mortar is the weakest component, especially against tensile loading and cracking. We propose in this paper an experimental study of the propagation of 3D internal defects in the mortar for different dosages and their effects on the tensile strength of the mortar. We start by deter- mining the tensile strength of a non-cracked specimen for five different dosages. After that, as our first contribution, we calculate the tensile strength and the critical Stress Intensity Factor SIF for the different dosages. Then, as our second contribution, we investigate the effect of the defects shape on the stability limit. Finally, we consolidate, through a comparative study, the obtained experimental results with the numerical ones.