Three-dimensional work of fracture for mortar in compression

A high resolution three-dimensional scanning technique called X-ray microto mography was used to measure internal crack growth in small mortar cylinder s loaded in uniaxial compression. Tomographic scans were made at different load increments in the same specimen. Three-dimensional image analysis was used to measure internal crack growth during each load increment. Load-defo rmation curves were used to measure the corresponding work of the external load on the specimen. Fracture energy was calculated using a linear elastic fracture mechanics approach, but using the actual surface area of internal cracks created. Preliminary results indicate fracture energies in the same range as those measured using traditional techniques. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.