Further studies on fracture process zone for mode I concrete fracture

The development of a fracture process zone associated with stable crack growth in single edge-notched (SEN), three-point bend concrete specimens of different tensile strengths was monitored with moire interferometry. The experimental data was then used to drive a finite element model of the fracture specimen in its generation/propagation mode and to determine the crack closure stress due to aggregate bridging, the energy release and dissipation rates and the resistance curve.