ABSTRACT
Immediately after removal of the samples, when their water content (w) was about 30%, cracks were artificially made in the samples by a process of inserting and removing thin glass sheets 1 mm in thickness and 2,5 cm in width in a direction normal to the sample’s face. The cracks were made at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 degrees with the direction of uniaxial compressive load (vertical direction).
