The knowledge of failure parameters of ordinary concretes such as failure energy and equivalent length of cracked zone is very important to be inquired about the evolution state of the damaged zone. For this purpose, and considering the complexity of the local phenomenon of cracking related to the non-linearity in the tip of the cracking, we must have recourse to bending tests ‘three points on notched specimens’ in order to determine these parameters.

These tests are unstable when carried out with a controlled force. Their stability is assured by very rigid presses (5000 to 9000 N/m) working in a displacement mode controlled at speeds of 0.05 mm/mn at least. Badly equipped laboratories are hence not able to carry out these tests.

That is why empirical formula of estimations are very useful to calculate these parameters in order to know previously their magnitude order.

  • INTRODUCTION

  • THREE POINTS BENDING TESTS

  • CONCLUSIONS

  • REFERENCES

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