Abstract
Fracture parameters (Fracture toughness and Tensile strength) are determined experimentally at different moisture contents. The tensile strength was determined using existing equipment (direct method) at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory of UPC whereas new equipment was designed for the fracture toughness determination. The results of tensile strength tests are consistent with published literature. Fracture toughness decreases as the moisture content increases. A numerical model is presented for crack initiation and propagation in drying soils. The model combines the concepts of soil mechanics and fracture mechanics. Crack initiation and propagation criterions are based on fracture parameters. Experimental values of fracture parameters are used to trigger the crack initiation and propagation
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2008 |
| Event | 12th International Conference on Computer Methods and Advances in Geomechanics 2008 - Duration: 10 Jan 2008 → … |
Conference
| Conference | 12th International Conference on Computer Methods and Advances in Geomechanics 2008 |
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| Period | 10/01/08 → … |