Experimental determination of the fracture properties of unfired dry earth

The fracture behaviour of unfired dry earth has been investigated by means of an experimental approach supported by some numerical simulations. Three-points bending tests, both with monotonic and cyclic loads, have been performed experimentally, and the related force–displacement diagrams are interpreted theoretically to characterize the fracture parameters of the considered material. Both Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics and a Two Parameter Model are considered. In the latter case, based on the post-peak softening behaviour, the R-curve is determined, which shows how the critical stress intensity factor depends on the fracture length.