Determination of timber material fracture parameters using mark tracking method

• Tests are carried out using a real post timber element under natural outdoor climatic conditions.
• Evaluation of mixed mode fracture parameters using a new formalism based on the CRDFr and SIF.
• The CRDF is evaluated from the experimental displacement measured by Mark Tracking Method.
• In parallel, the Stress Intensity Factor is calculated from a finite element analysis.
• The part of the energy release rate corresponding to the opening and shear modes is calculated.

This paper deals with the characterization of mixed mode fracture parameters using a new formalism based on the Crack Relative Displacement Factor and Stress Intensity Factor, respectively. The Crack Relative Displacement Factor evaluation is based a kinematic approach integrating the experimental displacement measured by Mark Tracking Method. In parallel, the Stress Intensity Factor is calculated from a finite element analysis. The coupling between these two approaches allows identifying the fracture parameters in term of energy release rate without the knowledge of material elastic proprieties. According to mixed mode configuration, the part of the energy release rate corresponding to the opening and shear modes is calculated. Tests are carried out using a real post timber element under natural outdoor climatic conditions.