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

• Mode I and II non-dimensional SIFs were obtained using J-integral method.
• The influences of crack length ratio and S/R on non-dimensional SIFs were discussed.
• Comparing fracture parameters: SF CM showed a better behavior than Ze CM.
• With increasing compressive strength of CM, pure mode I critical SIFs increased.
• CM containing 15% SF had a less tortuous fracture surface than 15% Ze in SCB specimen.

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.