ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: While application of fracture mechanics principles in pavement mechanics is steadily gaining popularity, very little work has been devoted to experimental characterization of shearing-type (Mode II) fracture. Researchers at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign have developed a Mode II fracture test, based on work from TU Delft, which captures Mode II fracture work from the point of crack initiation. This study outlines the development of the aforementioned Mode II test, including a thorough literature review, challenges faced, and solutions to obstacles. Two testing configurations were examined and compared to determine the most practical, yet informative configuration. Load-Line Displacement control and Crack Tip Sliding Displacement control testing setups were developed and compared. It was determined that Load-Line Displacement control provided more stable crack propagation, more reliable results, and easier test control. Data was analyzed to distinguish the concepts of crack initiation and propagation in an effort to understand the mechanisms behind the crack’s behavior. In contrast to Mode I cracking, Mode II cracking appeared to transform from an initiating crack, to a propagating crack, to sliding surfaces in a very short time period; there is no graduate propagation to observe. Finally, initial data was analyzed and compared to existing literature to validate the accuracy of the test.
