Effect of mineral admixtures on the mixed-mode (I/II) fracture characterization of cement mortar: CTS, CSTBD and SCB specimens

Effects of adding Silica Fume (SF) and natural Zeolite (Ze) on the fracture characteristics of cement mortar (CM) were investigated using the CTS (Compact-Tension-Shear), Cracked Straight Through Brazilian Disc (CSTBD), and Semi Circular Bending (SCB) specimens. Experimental tests were performed on CM made by replacing 0%, 7.5% and 15% of cement with SF and Ze. The interaction J-integral method was used to separate the mixed-mode stress intensity factors (SIFs) at the crack tip under different loading modes. Critical SIFs and associated strain energy release rates (SERRs) were obtained. Formulations with SF showed better fracture characterization than Ze for the CM.