Three-dimensional work of fracture for mortar in compression

Abstract A high resolution three-dimensional scanning technique called X-ray microtomography was used to measure internal crack growth in small mortar cylinders 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–deformation 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.