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The paper deals with selected alkali-activated aluminosilicate (AAAS) composites based on ceramic precursors in terms of characterization by mechanical fracture parameters. Two composites made of brick dust as a precursor and an alkaline activator with a silicate modulus Ms = 1.0 were investigated. The composites differed in the fineness of grinding of the precursor – in the first set it was 0 to 1 mm, in the second set 0 to 0.3 mm. The filler was crushed brick. The test specimens had nominal dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm and were provided with notches in the middle of the span up to 1/3 of the depth of the specimens after 28 days of hardening. Five to six specimens from each composite set were tested. The specimens were subjected to three-point bending tests, in which force vs. displacement (deflection in the middle of the span) diagrams (F–d diagrams) and force vs. crack mouth opening displacement (F–CMOD) diagrams were recorded. After correction of these diagrams, the values of static modulus of elasticity, effective fracture toughness, effective toughness and specific fracture energy were determined using the Effective Crack Model and the Work-of-Fracture method. After the fracture experiments, the values of informative compressive strength were determined on one of the fractured parts. At the same time, the values of static modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and specific fracture energy were identified using artificial neural networks and F–d diagrams measured and simulated in the ATENA FEM software. All evaluations included the determination of basic statistics of parameters.

The paper deals with selected alkali-activated aluminosilicate (AAAS) composites based on ceramic precursors in terms of their characterization by mechanical fracture parameters. Composites made of brick dust as a precursor and an alkaline activator with a silicate modulus of Ms = 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 were investigated. The filler employed with one set of composites was quartz sand, while for the other set it was crushed brick. The test specimens had nominal dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm and were provided with notches at midspan of up to 1/3 of the height of the specimens after 28 days. 6 samples from each composite were tested. The specimens were subjected to three-point bending tests in which force vs. displacement (deflection at midspan) diagrams (F–d diagrams) and force vs. crack mouth opening (F–CMOD) diagrams were recorded. After the correction of these diagrams, static modulus of elasticity, effective fracture toughness, effective toughness and specific fracture energy values were determined using the Effective Crack Model and the Work-of-Fracture method. After the fracture experiments, informative compressive strength values were determined from one of the parts. All of the evaluations included the determination of arithmetic means and standard deviations. The silicate modulus values and type of filler of the AAAS composites significantly influenced their mechanical fracture parameters.

Mechanical fracture parameters were obtained for special fine-grained cement-based composites from three-point bending tests. A total of four sets of composite specimens were tested. All of the sets of composites were based on a general recipe and differ in the amount of high-strength aggregate and/or dispersed steel fibres present. Standardized prism specimens with a nominal size of 40 × 40 × 160 mm were used for the fracture tests after 131 days of curing. An initial notch was cut in the centre of the prisms with a depth approximately equal to one third of the specimen’s height. Three specimens from each set of composites were tested in the three-point bending fracture test configuration. Load versus midspan deflection diagrams were recorded. Experimentally obtained load vs displacement diagrams were corrected and analysed using the Effective Crack Model, the Work-of-Fracture method and an independent identification technique using numerical modelling. The most important mechanical fracture parameters, such as static modulus of elasticity, effective fracture toughness, specific fracture energy and effective tensile strength, were determined. Compressive and splitting tensile strength values were obtained from the halves of the specimens left over after the bending tests.

The paper deals with the approximation of the time evolution of the strengths of selected alkali-activated aluminosilicate (AAAS) composites based on ceramic precursors. Composites made of brick dust as a precursor and an alkaline activator with a silicate modulus of Ms = 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 were investigated. The filler consisted of standard quartz sand in one case, and crushed brick in the other. The test specimens had nominal dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm and were tested in three-point bending after 7, 28, 90, and 300 days of maturation. From each composite, 3 specimens were tested and the compressive strength was determined from the 6 specimen parts that remained after the bending tests. The obtained flexural and compressive strength values for the abovementioned 4 composite ages were approximated by the exponential function , where the coefficient a represents a horizontal asymptote to the approximation curve, i.e. the theoretical strength of the composite at time t = ∞; the exponential term of the approximation with the coefficients b and c expresses the degree of the time-dependent change of the respective compressive strength in the interval t = (0, ∞). The approximation was performed with the least squares method using genetic algorithms implemented in the Java GA package with open source code.

This paper concerns the results of research into the influence of the composition of rock inclusions on the fracture response of cement-based composite specimens. Specially designed specimens of the nominal dimensions 40 × 40 × 160 mm with inclusions in the shape of prisms with nominal dimensions of 8 × 8 × 40 mm were provided with an initial central edge notch with a depth of 12 mm. These specimens, which were made of fine-grained cement-based composite with different types of rock inclusion – amphibolite, basalt, granite, and marble – were tested in the three-point bending configuration. Fracture surfaces were examined via scanning electron microscopy and local response in the vicinity of rock inclusions was characterized via the nanoindentation technique. The aim of this paper is to analyse the influence of the chemical/petrographic composition of rock inclusions on the effective mechanical fracture parameters of cement-based composites, as well as on the microstructural mechanical parameters of the interfacial transition zone. The results of this research indicate the significant dependence of the effective fracture parameters on the petrographic and related chemical composition of the rock inclusions.

Four sets of alkali-activated aluminosilicate (AAAS) composites based on ceramic precursors were studied in terms of their characterization by mechanical fracture parameters as a basis for considerations of durability. AAAS composites made of brick powder as a precursor and alkaline activator with various silicate moduli (Ms = 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6) were investigated. The sets of AAAS composites differed in terms of the used filler: quartz sand or brick rubble. Two different precursor particle size ranges of 0–1 mm and 0–0.3 mm were used for both types of filler. The test specimens had nominal dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm and were provided with a notch at midspan after 28 days of hardening. The notches were cut up to 1/3 of the height of the specimens. The specimens were subjected to three-point bending fracture tests during which force vs. deflection (F–d) and force vs. crack mouth opening displacement (F–CMOD) diagrams were recorded. Tensile strength ft,ID and specific fracture energy GF,ID values were identified using the inverse method based on a neural network ensemble. The obtained F–CMOD diagrams were subsequently evaluated using the double-K fracture model supported by the ft,ID and GF,ID values. The double-K model allows the quantification of two different levels of crack propagation: initiation, which corresponds to the beginning of stable crack growth, and unstable crack propagation.

This paper deals with selected alkali-activated aluminosilicate composites with a ceramic precursor in terms of their characterization using mechanical fracture parameters. Three composites were studied. They were manufactured using brick powder as a precursor and an alkaline activator with a dimensionless silicate modulus of Ms = 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4. The test specimens were nominally 40 × 40 × 160 mm in size and had a central edge notch with a depth of 1/3 of the specimen’s height. At least 6 specimens made of each composite were tested at the age of 28 days. The specimens were subjected to three-point bending tests, during which diagrams showing force vs. deflection at midspan (F–d diagrams) and force vs. crack mouth opening displacement (F–CMOD diagrams) were recorded. After the processing of these diagrams, values were determined for the static modulus of elasticity, effective fracture toughness (including its initiation component from the analysis of the first part of the F–CMOD diagrams), effective toughness and specific fracture energy using the effective crack model, Work-of-Fracture method, and Double-K fracture model. After the fracture experiments had been performed, compressive strength values were determined for informational purposes from one part of each specimen that remained after testing. In order to obtain visual information about the internal structure of the composites before and after the mechanical testing, the selected specimen was examined via X-ray microtomography. Tomographic measurements and image processing were performed for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of internal structural changes with an emphasis on the calculation of porosimetry parameters as well as the visualization of the fracture process zone. The fractal dimension of the fracture surface and fracture process zone was determined. The porosity and microstructure images of selected samples taken from specimens were assessed.

Quasi-brittle materialslike cement-based composites, rocks,and bricksare subjected to a number ofenvironmental loadings throughout the life cycleof buildings. For instance, fluctuation ofthe ambient temperature (climaticcyclesor fire) causing a variety of physical and chemical transitionsresultinginstructural changesand affectingthe mechanical properties. In this work a special mixture containing glass spheres and Portland cement was evaluated by a combination of four-point bending and time-lapse X-ray computed tomographyto verify the feasibility of thisnovel combined method.The effectof temperature on the behavior of investigatedmaterial in terms of sphericity of the present glass spheresand the way of crack propagation under load together with its influenceto mechanical fracture parameterswas studied.The described methodology was used especially to be able to monitor these changes throughout the loading process, asthe characterization of the fracture surface using conventional optical methods is possible only after the complete fractureof the specimenandtotal damage of used material results in loosening of the matrix and filler to such an extent,that the results of these methods may be very distorted.It hasbeen proven that the developed method can be used to characterize the internal structural changes in building materials and thus contribute to the understanding of the fracture processes during mechanical loading.Up to 600°C the glass spheres stay spherical and the crack is propagating through the interfacial transition zone, while at higher temperatures the glass loses its shape and the newly formed pores cause also cracks within the inclusions. The relationship between compressive strength and the maximum loading temperaturewas confirmed

This paper deals with the pilot characterization of a special alkali-activated aluminosilicate composite composed of waste brick powder, brick rubble and a solution of potassium water glass. Fracture tests were conducted on the specimens via three-point bending and fracture parameters were evaluated. Selected specimen was investigated using micro-tomography to supplement the results with visual information about the inner structure of this newly designed material before and after the mechanical loading. Tomographic measurements and image processing were conducted for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of changes in the internal structure with an emphasis on the calculation of porosimetric parameters and visualization of the fracture surface. Fractal dimension of fracture surface was estimated.

This paper concerns research into the importance of the interfacial transition zone around inclusions of selected materials in fine-grained cement-based composite. Tests were performed on eight sets of prismatic test specimens. The sets differed in the inclusion materials used, which were placed at midspan above the initial central edge notch. The first was a reference set without any inclusion, the second contained a steel inclusion, four more contained different types of rock inclusion, the seventh contained an inclusion of extruded polystyrene, and the last contained a space of the same dimensions as that occupied by the inclusions in sets 2 to 7. The test specimens were subjected to three-point bending fracture tests at the age of (usually) 28 days. The fracture response was analysed by means of fracture mechanics theory, and apparent mechanical fracture parameters (modulus of elasticity, fracture toughness and fracture energy) were evaluated. The conclusion shows that a possible relationship exists between the differences in the mechanical fracture parameters of specimens with/without an inclusion and the existence of the interfacial transition zone.

In this paper, the attention is paid to the investigation of the influence of high temperature acting on specimens made from specially designed cement-based composite. The experimental programme was carried out on six sets of beam specimens with the dimensions of 20 × 40 × 200 mm. The specimens were loaded to a pre-set temperature of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 °C and then the temperature was kept for 60 minutes. When the temperature loading had been done, the specimens were left to cool down to the ambient temperature. After that, the ultrasonic pulse method was used to determine the degree of damage of temperature loaded specimens. The measured data obtained by this non-destructive method are in high correlation with values of informative compressive strength of the composite obtained after the temperature loading of specimens.

Wedge-splitting test is widely used fracture mechanical test for its stability in measurement during the testing and many papers were published. However, the biaxial wedge-splitting test is relatively a new method and the numerical stress analysis of such test is necessary. Especially the investigation of the stress fields in the vicinity of the crack tip. In this contribution, influence of various biaxial stress level is discussed on values of first and second terms of William’s expansion.

Mechanical fracture properties of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of fine-grained composite based on cement matrix with different types – basalt, granite, marble and amphibolite – of rock inclusion were studied. Specimens with the initial stress concentrator were tested in standard three-point bending configuration. Fracture surfaces were examined with light and electron microscopes. Local ITZ response was characterized by nanoindentation in the vicinity of rock inclusions. Local elasticity, hardness and viscous properties were assessed. It has been shown that the ITZ is mechanically weaker compared to the bulk matrix in the region of ca. 0–20 μm from the inclusion for all specimen’s types. It exhibits gradual increase of elastic modulus and hardness, which can be approximately expressed by a power law. On the other hand, the creep in ITZ was found to be higher compared to the bulk matrix. The results of nanoindentation measurements are in a good agreement with overall mechanical properties, fracture response and microstructure measurements done by scanning electron microscopy.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a material with applications in the building industry, where it is typically used as thermal insulation. Fracture experiments in the three-point bending configuration were conducted on XPS beam specimens with an initial stress concentrator made before testing. The nominal dimensions of the beams were 40 × 40 × 160 mm. The depth of the initial edge notch on the bottom side of the specimen was approximately 1/3 of specimen height. The span length was 120 mm. Load vs. displacement diagrams were recorded during fracture tests, and subsequently the modulus of elasticity (E), effective fracture toughness (KIce) and specific fracture energy (GF) of the XPS were determined. The mean values obtained for the mechanical fracture parameters and coefficients of variation (number of specimens) were the following: E = 10.7 MPa, 9.2 % (7); KIce = 0.0547 MPa∙m1/2, 16.7 % (3); GF = 183.2 J∙m–2, 34.3 % (3).

The structural concrete can be also characterized via parameters obtained by evaluation of fracture tests. Therefore, this paper presents software CheF developed in Java programming language, designed for evaluation of three-point bending fracture tests of core based concrete specimens with chevron type notch. The records of fracture tests in form load vs. displacement and load vs. crack mouth opening displacement diagrams are analysed by software CheF to obtain values of selected mechanical fracture parameters: modulus of elasticity E, fracture toughness KIc, and fracture energy GF, determined based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics approach and work-of-fracture method.

The paper describes alkali-activation of the brick body with potassium water glass having the silicate modulus of 1.0. The 28-days compressive strengths, elasticity modulus, effective fracture toughness, effective toughness, and specific fracture energy of the specimens stored at 20, 40 and 60 °C are evaluated. The storage temperature of specimens and the content of the alkaline solution have a significant influence on all mechanical fracture properties of the studied materials.

The alkali-activated slag is an alternative building material to ordinary Portland cement based materials. This type of material is effective in reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption. Addition of graphite powder increases its electric conductivity, hence, introducing new functionality to building materials such as self-sensing and self-heating properties. In this study, the effect of graphite filler on the crack initiation of alkali-activated slag composite is investigated. The graphite powder was added in the amount of 5, 10 and 15% with respect to the slag mass. Beam specimens with an initial stress concentrator were tested in three-point bending at the age of 28 days. The load versus crack mouth crack opening displacement (F–CMOD) diagrams were recorded during the fracture tests and subsequently evaluated using the Double-K fracture model. This model allows the quantification of two different levels of crack propagation: initiation, which corresponds to the beginning of stable crack growth, and the level of unstable crack propagation. The course of fracture tests was also monitored by acoustic emission (AE) method.

Concrete used in civil structures is usually made on cement-based matrix and natural aggregates (such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, etc.). Ceramic waste aggregate is considered as a perspective replacement of a part of natural aggregate in modern environmentally oriented building material. Concrete with natural aggregate partially replaced by ceramic waste aggregate usually show different mechanical characteristics than ordinary concrete. This paper introduces the pilot study of fatigue parameters of six concrete mixtures with various amount of ceramic waste. The experimentally obtain results are compared and discussed.

In this paper, the attention is paid to investigation of the importance of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in selected fine-grained cement-based composites for the global fracture behaviour. This is a region of cement paste around the aggregate particles which specific features could have significant impact on the final behaviour of cement composites with a crack tip nearby this interface under applied tension. The aim of this work is to show the basic interface microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) done by MIRA3 TESCAN and to analyse the behaviour of such composite by numerical modelling. Numerical studies assume two different ITZ thicknesses taken from SEM analysis. A simplified cracked geometry (consisting of three phases – matrix, ITZ, and aggregate) is modelled by means of the finite element method with a crack terminating at the matrix–ITZ interface. ITZ’s modulus of elasticity is taken from generalized self-consistent scheme. A few conclusions are discussed based on comparison of the average values of the opening stress ahead of the crack tip with their critical values. The analyses dealing with the effect of ITZ’s properties on the stress distribution should contribute to better description of toughening mechanisms in silicate-based composites.

In this paper, authors focus attention on mechanical fracture parameters obtained from records of three-point bending fracture tests on concrete specimens with initial notch. Total eight sets of specimens were tested. Three specimens at the age of 28 days were tested in each set. Concrete was different in dosage of Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R and amount of used superplasticizer. The Effective Crack Model (ECM) was used to evaluate the load vs deflection diagrams to obtain modulus of elasticity and effective fracture toughness; specific fracture energy was determined using work-of-fracture method. Modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and fracture energy were also subject of identification via inverse analysis based on artificial neural network, which aim is to transfer the input data obtained from the fracture test to the desired material parameters.

In this paper, authors concentrate attention on crack initiation and acoustic emission (AE) parameters obtained from records of three-point bending fracture tests on eight sets of concrete specimens with initial stress concentrator at the age of 28 days. Resistance to stable and unstable crack propagation was quantified via evaluation of load vs crack mouth opening displacement diagrams using Double-K fracture model. The AE technique was used to monitor damage process taking place during testing in specimens.

Glass is an amorphous solid substance with pozzolanic properties that can be used as a partial substitute for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in cement based composites. In the research conducted for this paper, the PC was partially replaced by fine-ground waste laboratory borosilicate glass (in mixtures where 5, 10, 15 and 20% by mass was substituted). Beam specimens with the dimensions 40 × 40 × 160 mm were prepared from each mixture. After demoulding, the specimens were kept under standard laboratory conditions. Basic tests were conducted at the age of 7, 28, 56, and 90 days: the compressive ( f c ) and flexural ( f f ) strengths were determined according to the CSN EN 1015-11 standard. Specimens were also subjected to fracture testing at the age of 28 days. The beam specimens with an initial central edge notch were tested in three-point bending. Load vs. displacement diagrams were recorded and modulus of elasticity ( E ), fracture toughness ( K Ic e ) and fracture energy ( G F * ) were determined. It was found, that strength increased with specimen age: at the age 28 days this increase was 12–33% in case of f c , and 6–15% as regards f f . The values obtained for almost all the parameters decreased with the increasing dosage of glass as a replacement for cement: compared to a reference composite this decrease was 22–40% in the case of f c , 24–28% for f f , 3–5% for E , 9–29% for K Ic e , and 30–50% for G F * ; exceptions were recorded for glass replacement doses of 5 and 10%, where increases of 2–6% for f c and 8–10% for E were obtained.

Alkali-activated slag is a building material considered as alternative to ordinary Portland cement based materials. Addition of graphite powder increases its electric conductivity, hence, introducing new functionality to building materials such as self-sensing and self-heating properties. In this study, the effect of graphite filler on the mechanical fracture properties of alkali-activated slag composite is investigated. Graphite powder was added in the amount of 5, 10 and 15% with respect to the slag mass. Modulus of elasticity, fracture toughness and fracture energy were determined using standard three-point bending test on prismatic specimens with central edge notch. The course of fracture tests was also monitored by acoustic emission (AE) method. Compressive strength was determined on the fragments remaining after the fracture tests. Results showed that addition of graphite caused a decrease in compressive strength, fracture toughness and fracture energy but modulus of elasticity increased. Addition of graphite also caused a decrease in AE events and increase in amplitude of signals. This implies that mortars with graphite filler is more brittle than the reference mortar, and lower number of much larger cracks is formed during the fracture test.

Quasi-brittle type of fracture behaviour is viewed from a unique perspective in the paper. This view explains and extends the classification of fracture of materials, as it is commonly understood, and might provide a way to a more general understanding of this phenomenon. The proposed approach separates the ‘effective’ (brittle) fracture phenomenon from the evolution of the nonlinear zone at the crack tip. This separation is performed on the energetic level, the evaluated work of fracture, as well as on the level of geometrical description of the two separated entities which are the products of the fracture phenomenon: The crack surface and the nonlinear zone around the crack front. The approach is introduced here mainly from the philosophical and theoretical standpoint, its verification and validation is included only partially.

The aim of this paper is to quantify mechanical fracture and length change parameters of the two types of concrete with alkali activated binder. The six beam specimens (75 × 75 × 295 mm) were made from each mixture. After demolding specimens were placed in air storage for 28 days. During this period length change (shrinkage) were recorded in accordance with ASTM C490 (2011). After that the three-point bending test was performed on these specimens with initial stress concentrator at the age of 28 days to obtain the mechanical fracture parameters. Records of fracture tests in form load versus deflection (F–d) diagrams were evaluated using effective crack model and work of fracture method.

Knowledge of the mechanical and primarily fracture parameters of composites with a&nbsp, brittle matrix is essential for the quantification of their resistance to crack initiation and growth, and also for the specification of material model parameters employed for the simulation of the quasi-brittle behavior of structures made from this type of composite. Therefore, the main target of this paper is to quantify the mechanical fracture parameters of alkali-activated slag composites with steel microfibers and the contribution of the matrix to their fracture response. The first alkali-activated slag composite was a reference version without fibers, the others incorporated steel microfibers amounting to 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight of the slag. Prism specimens with an&nbsp, initial central edge notch were used to perform the three-point bending fracture tests. Load vs. displacement (deflection at midspan) and load vs. crack mouth opening displacement diagrams were recorded during the fracture tests. The obtained diagrams were employed as inputs for parameter identification, the aim of which was to transfer the fracture test response data to the desired material parameters. Values were also determined for fracture parameters using the effective crack model, work-of-fracture method and double-K fracture model. All investigated mechanical fracture parameters were improved by the addition of steel microfibers to the alkali-activated matrix. Based on the obtained results, the addition of 10 to 15% of microfibers by weight is optimal from the point of view of the enhancement of the fracture parameters of alkali-activated slag composite.

Fine-grained cement-based composites used in civil engineering and construction industry are usually made of cement-based matrix and natural aggregate (such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, etc.). Red ceramic waste aggregate is considered as a perspective replacement of a part of natural aggregate in modern environmentally oriented building materials. Fine-grained cement composite with natural aggregate partially replaced by ceramic waste aggregate usually show different mechanical fracture characteristics from ordinary fine-grained concrete. The specimens were tested at six different ages. This was the reason for conducting the research programme. Altogether, 6 fine-grained cement mixtures with various proportions of natural and red ceramic waste aggregate were prepared. The aim of this paper is to present and compare mechanical fracture properties obtained from static and fatigue tests. Bulk density, flexural and compressive cube strength, fracture toughness and fatigue properties (S−N − Wöhler curve) were of special interest. All of these tests are important for a practical application of concrete with ceramic aggregate for structures. All the results were statistically analysed and they showed that the fatigue and mechanical fracture properties were improved or at least kept up with the increasing levels of red ceramic waste aggregate. Environmental impact of application in construction industry of composites in question is discussed.

The paper reports on a study of the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) when used as dispersed reinforcement on the fracture properties and microstructure of alkali-activated slag mortars. The amount of MWCNTs added varied in the range of 0.05–1.0% of the mass of slag. Mechanical and fracture properties were determined using fracture tests carried out on 40 × 40 × 160 mm specimens with a central notch. The observed parameters were compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, effective fracture toughness and specific fracture energy. Specimen response during fracture tests was also monitored by means of acoustic emission, and this method was also used for the determination of cracking tendency due to autogenous and drying shrinkage occurring during the hardening process. It is shown that the addition of up to 0.2% of MWCNTs improves the fracture properties of alkali-activated slag. Although a higher dosage of MWCNTs reduced the number of microcracks observed by acoustic emission, the mechanical properties of the slag deteriorated due to the less effective dispersion of the MWCNTs and the formation of bundles.

This paper deals with the results obtained from the employment of a selected fracture model to evaluate wedge splitting fracture tests carried out on hemp fibre concrete specimens. The research work was focused mainly on the effect of the dosage and length of hemp fibres on the initiation part of crack propagation in concrete specimens, and on critical crack opening displacement. Concrete mixtures with different volumetric dosages (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 %) and fibre lengths (10, 20 and 40 mm) were prepared, and six identical specimens were cast from each mixture. Specimens were also cast from a reference mixture, which was without fibres. The specimens were provided with an initial notch and tested using the wedge splitting test method. Load versus crack mouth opening displacement diagrams were recorded during testing and (after data filtering and appropriate modifications) subsequently evaluated using the Double-K fracture model. This model allows the evaluation of two material parameters – the initiation fracture toughness, which defines the onset of stable crack propagation, and the unstable fracture toughness, which defines the onset of unstable cracking or failure. Finally, the critical crack opening displacement was determined with the assumption of the bilinear function of softening in tension.

This paper presents selected results from a study concerning mechanical fracture parameters related to the formation of the solid structure of cement mortars. The tested mixtures were composed of an invariable quantity of cement (type CEM I 42.5 R) and an increasing amount of amorphous SiO2 (marked with a P), or a variable quantity of cement replaced by varied quantities of amorphous SiO2 (marked with an N). It was decided that the consistencies of the fresh mixtures should be identical: to ensure this, the water-cement ratio was increased as necessary. Quantification of the mechanical fracture parameters of the studied composites (fracture toughness, fracture energy, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity) was performed via the evaluation of fracture tests performed on beam specimens with an initial stress concentrator loaded in three-point bending. Subsequently, the results of the experiments in the form of load versus displacement diagrams were processed using the effective crack fracture model and the work of fracture method.

Blended Portland cement-ceramic powder binder containing up to 60 % fine-ground waste ceramics from a brick factory is used in concrete mix design as an environmentally friendly alternative to the commonly used Portland cement. The experimental analysis of basic physical characteristics, mechanical and fracture-mechanical properties, durability properties and hygrothermal characteristics shows that the optimal amount of ceramic powder in the mix is 20 % of the mass of blended cement. The decisive parameters in that respect are compressive strength, liquid water transport parameters and resistance to de-icing salts, which are not satisfactory for higher ceramics dosage in the blends. In the case of other parameters studied, the limits for the effective use of ceramic powder are higher: 40 % for effective fracture toughness and specific fracture energy, 60 % for frost resistance and chemical resistance to MgCl2, NH4Cl, Na2SO4, HCl and CO2. The water vapour diffusion coefficient is found to increase with increasing ceramics content, which for wet envelopes can be considered as a positive feature, but may have a negative effect for dry envelopes. The thermal conductivity of all mixes increases fast with growing moisture content; differences of up to 50 % between the dry and water-saturated state values are observed. This has to be taken into account in energy-related calculations.

From the volumetric point of view, aggregate is the most important ingredient in any kind of concrete. It is impossible to use raw soil instead of aggregate to produce concrete. There are numerous reasons for not using soil for concrete production on Earth, and we should not use lunar soil for concrete production on the Moon for the same reasons. Nevertheless, almost all developed lunar concrete-like composites, such as sulphur or polymeric concretes, are based on raw lunar soil. In the research programme, cement composite based on lunar aggregate simulant was tested. The mechanical fracture properties of the composite were the key point of interest. It was proven that the tested lunar concrete is characterized by stable and uniform properties. The obtained results were compared with the properties of other ordinary cement composites.

The paper deals with the experimental determination of fracture parameters of the composites based on the alkali-activated slag (AAS) at different ages. The main aim of the experimental investigation was to verify the effect of the addition of shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) on the overall progress of length changes and fracture properties during AAS composites ageing. Two AAS composites, which differed only in the presence of SRA, were prepared for the purpose of experiments. The mechanical fracture parameters were determined using evaluation of fracture tests carried out on 40 × 40 × 160 mm beam specimens with an initial central edge notch. The monitored parameters were modulus of elasticity, effective fracture toughness and specific fracture energy. These parameters were determined at the age of 3, 28 and 90 days. The obtained results are supplemented by the results of relative length changes measurements performed on both studied composites.

The paper is focused on the mechanical fracture properties of hardened cement mortars in which Portland cement is partially replaced by reactive admixtures. These properties are evaluated in relation to the mortars’ microstructure through the size and content of pores. The cement in the mortars was partially replaced by a diatomite that contains amorphous SiO2. The three-point bending fracture tests were performed on beams with a central edge notch. The investigated mechanical fracture properties of the aforementioned cement-based composites included flexural strength, compressive strength, elasticity modulus, effective fracture toughness and specific fracture energy.

The contribution is devoted to investigation of the fracture process zone (FPZ) in a fine-grained cement-based composite made from hydrated Portland cement. Particularly, experimental investigations and description of the stable crack propagation using fracture mechanics model are conducted. Three-point bending tests on small composite beams with a central edge notch were performed. The damage due to fracture was monitored by means of nanoindentation performed around the macroscopically observable crack. Acoustic emission events were recorded during the three-point bending test and correlated with load–displacement data. The beneficial effect on the fracture resistance of fine-grained mortar specimens compared to plain cement pastes was quantified.

The alkali-activated concrete is prepared as a new potential material for the production of concrete elements developed by ZPSV, a. s. company. Note that civil engineering structures are usually made of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) based concrete but today, the cement industry is responsible for emitting between 6% and 7% of all the CO2 emission into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is essential to seek different binders to provide environmental friendly materials. One possible alternative is the application of alkali-activated concrete. The optimal design of concrete mixture was studied in this investigation. Two types of concrete have a similar application and therefore the fatigue parameters can be compared. To this aim, specimens were prepared and tested under static (compressive cube strength) and cyclic loading (fatigue parameters − Wöhler curve). The experimentally obtained results (both mechanical and fatigue) of both types of concrete are compared and the suitability of these types of composites for its application is discussed.

This paper examines the analysis of acoustic emission signals captured during three-point bending fracture tests of concrete specimens with similar water-cement ratio, but one set of specimens was prepared from aerated concrete. The acoustic emission method is an experimental tool well suited for monitoring fracture processes in material. The typical parameters of acoustic emission signals were identified from the acoustic emission records for two different concrete mixtures to further describe the under-the-stress behaviour and failure development. An understanding of microstructure–performance relationships is the key to true understanding of material behaviour. The crack growth was continuously monitored using four acoustic emission sensors mounted on the specimen. The acoustic emission results are accompanied by selected fracture mechanical parameters determined via evaluation of load versus displacement diagrams recorded during three-point bending fracture tests.

A complex analysis of engineering properties of concrete containing natural zeolite as supplementary cementitious material in the blended Portland-cement based binder in an amount of up to 60% by mass is presented. The studied parameters include basic physical characteristics, mechanical and fracture–mechanics properties, durability characteristics, and hygric and thermal properties. Experimental results show that 20% zeolite content in the blended binder is the most suitable option. For this cement replacement level the compressive strength, bending strength, effective fracture toughness, effective toughness, and specific fracture energy are only slightly worse than for the reference Portland-cement concrete. The frost resistance, de-icing salt resistance, and chemical resistance to MgCl2, NH4Cl, Na2SO4, and HCl are improved. The hygrothermal performance of hardened mixes containing 20% natural zeolite, as assessed using the measured values of water absorption coefficient, water vapor diffusion coefficient, water vapor sorption isotherms, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity, is satisfactory.

The aim of this paper is to quantify crack initiation and other fracture properties – effective fracture toughness and specific fracture energy – of two types of concrete with an alkali activated binder. The beam specimens with a stress concentrator were tested in a three-point bending test after 28, 90, and 365 days of maturing. Records of fracture tests in the form of load versus deflection (P–d) diagrams were evaluated using effective crack model and work-of-fracture method and load versus mouth crack opening displacement (P–CMOD) diagrams were evaluated using the Double-K fracture model. The initiation of cracks during the fracture tests for all ages was also monitored by the acoustic emission method. The higher value of monitored mechanical fracture parameters of concrete with alkali activated blast furnace slag were achieved with substitution blast furnace slag by low calcium fly ash in comparison with substitution by cement kiln dust.

The paper deals with the experimental determination of relative length changes development during cement based composite ageing. Special moulds with the dimensions 100 × 60 × 1000 mm were used for the measurements. These moulds were filled and placed on an advanced weighing table that enables continuous recording of mass losses caused by free drying of the specimen surface. In this way, the mass losses and changes in the length of the cement composite in the moulds were measured simultaneously. The shrinkage moulds were modified in order to measure also the long-term relative deformation of fine-aggregate concrete specimens as a result of drying. The outputs of the measurement are given in the form of the diagrams displaying the relationship between the relative length changes or the mass losses and the time of cement composites ageing. Besides the measurement of length changes, three-point bending fracture tests at the age of 3 and 28 days were also performed. The modulus elasticity, effective fracture toughness and specific fracture energy values were determined from load versus deflection diagrams recorded during fracture experiments on the specimens with dimensions 40 × 40 × 160 mm.

Structural concrete of the building of Vitkovice railway station from 1970s is characterized via mechanical fracture parameters. In this paper, six core-drilled cylindrical specimens with diameter of 75 mm were provided by a Chevron type notch of depth of 12 mm. Three-point bending fracture tests were conducted on these specimens supported as beams with the span of 170 mm. Load vs. deflection and load vs. crack mouth opening displacement diagrams were recorded from which modulus of elasticity ( E ), fracture toughness ( K Ic ) and fracture energy ( G F ) were determined using linear elastic fracture mechanics approach and work-of-fracture method. Mean values of these parameters (with their coefficient of variability) were obtained as follows: E = 39.4 GPa (29.1%), K Ic = 0.90 MPa·m 1/2 (18.5%), G F = 174.0 J/m 2 (26.0%). These parameters can serve as first guess or indicative values for structural assessment and life-time predictions.

Results of pilot experiments focused on monitoring of shrinkage, weight loss and mechanical fracture properties of two selected polymer-modified cement mortars (PCM) during their aging are presented in the paper. Comparison of the measurement results was carried out on the test specimens at the age of 3, 28, and 90 days. The results show that even the specimens made from PCMs, for which the manufacturer declares no shrinkage, shrank considerably. The results also show that the development of mechanical fracture parameters during ageing of these materials differs from generally expected trends and thus the monitoring of these parameters is recommended.

The paper summarizes results of a pilot study aimed at the evaluation of an experimental investigation focused on determination of the material characteristics development of selected fine-grained cement-based composites during their ageing. The composition of composites being investigated differed only in a water to cement ( w/c ) ratio and in amount of superplasticizer. Quite extensive experiments were performed with the aim to determine shrinkage, dynamic a static modulus of elasticity and fracture properties on test specimens exposed to free drying during the whole time of its ageing (including the early stage of setting and hardening). The article presents especially results (including their statistical evaluation) of shrinkage and fracture parameters development within 90 days of composites’ ageing. Experimental results show the dependence of the investigated characteristics on the value of w/c ratio. The most visible effect was observed in the case of shrinkage development. The curing conditions were reflected especially in high variability of the test results.

Fracture behaviour of a crack in a particle (silicate based) composite is studied. The crack propagation depends not only on mutual elastic mismatch of matrix and aggregate but also the influence of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the matrix and the aggregate is discussed. Various combinations of materials and geometry of matrix, aggregate and ITZ can improve or degrade fracture properties of the composite. Extensive numerical simulations on a basic 3-point-bending cracked specimen via the finite element method are performed in order to analyze the stress field near the crack tip. Linear elastic fracture mechanics approach is utilized in order to assess the crack stability and summarize several conclusions. Studováno je lomové chování trhliny v částicovém (silikátovém) kompozitu. Šíření trhliny závisí nejen na vzájemných elastických vlastnostech matrice a agregátu ale současně je diskutován vliv mezifázové přechodové zóny mezi matricí a agregátem. Různé kombinace materiálů a geometrie matrice, agregátu a mezifáze mohou zlepšit nebo zhoršit lomové vlastnosti kompozitu. Pomocí metody konečných prvků jsou provedeny rozsáhlé numerické simulace na vzorku s trhlinou zatíženém tříbodovým ohybem a je zjišťováno pole napětí v blízkosti vrcholu trhliny. Pro hodnocení stability trhliny a shrnutí zjištěných závěrů je použit koncept lineárně elastické lomové mechaniky.

In the restoration of historic buildings with priorities of historic preservation there exists an effort to modify the mortars by admixtures which are in compliance with historical materials and techniques. Therefore the specimens were made from lime mortar modified by brick powder or metakaolin. The reference mixture used only hydrated lime while the other mixtures were enhanced by brick powder or metakaolin in the amounts of 25, 50 and 100 % of the weight of hydrated lime. This paper presents the results of three-point bending fracture tests obtained by using double-K fracture model. The specimen’s age was 90 and 150 days.

This paper introduces results of fracture experiments on fine-grain concrete specimens prepared from CEM 42.5 R Portland cement of different origin (five Czech Republic localities: Mokrá, Hranice, Radotín, Prachovice, Čížkovice), with natural zeolite admixture. Although the specimens were produced using the same type of cement, this paper shows that even small differences in chemical and mineralogical composition (caused by different origin) can result in changes of mechanical fracture parameter values.

Mechanical fracture parameters obtained from three-point bending tests on concrete specimens with a central edge notch are introduced in this paper. A total of four sets of specimens were tested. The concrete used in each set differed in cement dosage, which ranged from 250 to 455 kg per m3of fresh concrete. Three specimens in each set were tested at the age of 28 days. Increasing the dosage of cement influences the mechanical fracture properties of concretes in both positive and negative ways.

This paper presents the results of three-point bending fracture tests. Specimens were made from lime mortar modified by brick powder or metakaolin. The first, reference mixture only used hydrated lime, while the other mixtures were enhanced by brick powder or metakaolin in amounts of 25, 50 and 100 % of the weight of hydrated lime.

The partial replacement of cement in concrete by an alternative admixture is a current topic in materials engineering. In order to examine the effect of replacing 20 % of the weight of Portland cement in fine-grained concrete using selected admixtures on volume changes and mechanical fracture parameter values, a set of specimens was fabricated from these quasi-brittle materials. Granulated blast-furnace slag, high-temperature fly ash, metakaolin and specially selected combinations of them were used as admixtures. Three-point bending fracture tests were conducted on these specimens and load versus crack mouth opening displacement (PCMOD) diagrams were recorded during the testing. In this paper, the outputs of the double-K fracture model were used for the prediction of beginning of stable crack propagation in fine-grained cement-based composites with admixtures.

This paper introduces the results of fracture experiments on concrete specimens of different composition modified by zeolite (7.5 to 30 % by weight of cement dosage). It presents the determination and comparison of basic mechanical/fracture parameter values such as volume density, compressive strength, elasticity modulus, effective fracture toughness and fracture energy.