A combined experimental-numerical study of tensile behaviour of limestone

摘要

In this paper, a combined experimental-computational study of double-edge notched stone specimens subjected to tensile loading is presented. In the experimental part, the load-deformation response and the local displacement field are recorded. The evolution of the crack path, during loading, is followed with an Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometer (ESPI). This device allows monitoring of the structure, without contact. Both experimental results are used to validate the numerical model for the description of fracture. The model uses displacement discontinuities to model cracks, which are implemented using the partition of unity property of finite element shape functions. In the discontinuity, a plasticity based cohesive zone model is used. Numerical simulations are compared with experimental observations.