MIXED-MODE FRACTURE OF CEMENTITIOUS BIMATERIAL INTERFACES - PART I - EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

An experimental investigation on the mixed mode response of concrete i nterfaces is reported. Large simulated rock/concrete bimaterial specim ens are subjected to the complex stress field that exists along a dam/ foundation interface. Based on the observed crack trajectory, and on t he recorded loads and displacements, important qualitative conclusions are drawn. It was observed that a crack which initiates at the interf ace is likely to kink into the adjoining rock when subjected to mixed mode loading as in a dam, and that the overall interface strength is o nly slightly affected by the curvilinear crack. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.