Fracture mechanism and fracture parameters of autoclaved lime–sand mortar and concrete

The fracture process of autoclaved lime–sand mortar and concrete was investigated by means of acoustic emission technology. The results have shown that the fracture process of this mortar and concrete can be divided into three stages: microcracks widen, micro–cracks propagate, and the main crack propagates. A new parameter specific fracture energy G_sf is introduced to describe the brittleness of concrete. K_1c G_f and the notch sensitivity of autoclaved lime—sand mortar and concrete were determined by a three–point bending test. The results have shown that the autoclaved lime—sand mortar has notch sensitivity, and concrete with super–fine sand and crushed stone as aggregate has no sensitivity.